40 Jerk Cats Who Reigned Over Dogs And Stole Their Beds

Bored Panda contacted Molly DeVoss, a feline training and behavior specialist at Cat Behavior Solutions, to find out more about the reason why cats love stealing dog beds. Molly explained that often it’s because cats are trying to layer scents with the dog to build a community scent at home. “Your home is their territory, and they feel more comfortable in places that smell like them,” said Molly.

I still wonder how it happens that cats always get what they want, both from humans and other animals in the household. Molly explained that “they’re very good at training us.” For example, “They knock things off the nightstand to wake us—because we typically feed them to stop the behavior.” Another example is when “they jump up on things because we pick them up” or “meow and get us to talk back.” In fact, “cats are very observant and have great understanding of how to get a reaction from their caretakers.”

Dogs tend to submit to cats because canines evolved with a “social hierarchy and rely on rank and order within the other members of the household to feel secure,” said Molly. Meanwhile, a cat “has evolved as a solitary species and doesn’t have a social structure per se.” In other words, Molly says, “cat is always a boss.”

Nevertheless, dogs and cats usually work out a livable agreement. Molly suggests, before considering adding a cat to the household, researching your dog breed. Also, it’s wise to do introductions slowly. “Cats have a very long memory and may always fear the dog” if there’s a single frightening incident when they meet.