How did cats come to live with humans? By all logical observation, these independent creatures shouldn’t be in our homes, but they are.
There are 7 main reasons.
Let’s find out on The Super Awesome Science Thread. #TSAT
1. Nearly 100,000 years ago ancient cats watched the advanced primates who scurried around the Middle East with a mild curiosity, but stayed out of their way. These primates were smart and could catch and eat them. It would have stayed this way except for this: grain.
2. The end of the ice age allowed humans to turn from sketchy hunters into farmers. Still cats were wary. The grain and crops humans grew that was stored for later became a target for an annoying creature from India. The house mouse. The plot thickens.
3. Over the next 10,000 years the cats who were decent at catching mice, but also had less stress hormones allowed them to be bold and calm around humans had a great chance of survival. Natural selection had a purrfect time to occur.
4. This type of cat began to look different and act different than the other species of wildcats. The key thing here is humans didn’t breed this type of cat. The cat domesticated itself over time.
5. As trade picked up, “cats” hitched a ride on ships and in carts and moved rapidly around Asia and parts of Africa. It is at this point the Egyptians took notice of the cat. Quickly the cat went from surprise helper, friend, pet, and then finally god.
6. Why did humans care about the cat so much? Psychologists have interesting theories. A cat weighs the same as new baby, and has giant eyes, like a baby. Holding a cat is the perfect size for a human baby and it creates a bond and nurturing affect. Cats = Baby
7. Years marched on an the scientific evidence of having a cat in the house being a good thing is a done deal. Cats lower stress, heart rate, anxiety, and more. They have mostly moved on from vermin catching days and lounge full time.
It’s ok.
They’ve earned it.
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What makes a dog so friendly?
Is it training?
Is it the breed?
One theory is....love.
Find out why on The Super Pawesome Science Thread!
#TSPST
This story and theory are from the book Dog is Love by Dr. Clive Wynne (@caninecognition) and research by Bridgett vonHoldt.
Shoutout to the scientists that made this wholesome thread pawsible!
Let’s get into it! clivewynne.com/book-1
@caninecognition Science is pretty unanimous when it comes to dogs.
They are unique in how they interact with humans.
A good many scientists feel dogs can understand us in ways other animals can’t.
They can follow a point and hold our gaze.
This is coded in their DNA.
The dog's nose is thousands of time more sensitive than the human nose.
New data shows it is EVEN more remarkable.
This news is HOT HOT HOT!
#TSPST
The dog nose, in a current study, shows the ability to detect thermal radiation.
That’s fancy words for heat.
The conclusion is dogs can "SENSE" warm objects!
Wait!
How many animals can detect weak, radiating heat?
Few.
We are talking some types of snakes, vampire bats and weird beetles called black fire beetles (which we should do a thread on later)
9 Secret Exercises The Fitness Industry Doesn't Want To Tell You.
Burn Calories and Build Lean Muscle.
All you need is a dog.
🧵
1. Give Me Back The Sock
This exercise works out your core as you wrestle a sock away before it's mangled. The back and forth motion blasts your abs, and the franticness of not wanting to lose another piece of clothing gives you the urgency to power through the burn.
2. OMG COME BACK HERE
This is pure cardio. You’ve left the door ajar and your dog is gone. This exercise is running to retrieve the dog before it gets a chicken or is hit by a car. Increase the difficulty by doing this in your bathrobe and crocs.
Here are SEVEN fun facts about dogs that will blow your mind!
#TSPST
1. Each dog nose print is unique!
Human may have fingerprints, but the dog nose is unique.
This isn’t just wishful fun thinking, it is a fact!
No matter the sample size, dog nose prints never repeat.
Just like the personality of dogs. ❤️
2. Your dog’s paws smell like corn chips
Dogs don't wear shoes so microorganisms get into their feet.
Dogs sweat from the pads of their feet and this sweat is the perfect place for bacteria to grow.
Pseudomonas and Proteus are the microbe team responsible.
As a team, my wife and I grew our Instagram account by 765% and our Facebook account by 6200% in one year.
Ok. Click bait title over, but let's talk social media.
Yes, it isn't our usual science or dog post, but I think many of you will find this interesting.
Our account here on "X" has plateaued over the last two years, and despite working on amazing content which usually does really well with thousands of likes, we haven't been pulling in new followers.
Initially this stung, but I then realized it was totally ok.
We have a huge community here that we are so grateful for, and I love posting and making content of our dogs and science stuff. We did well.
BUT- we have hit the max amount of people on this platform that connect with our content.