I find it funny that besides intellect, us humans possess the greatest power, which is petting. Petting allows us to be friends with most animals that would otherwise kill us

[–] CodeGameEat@lemmy.world 41 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Idk, i feel like control over food supply might be a bigger factor on these friendships :p

[–] angrystego@lemmy.world 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Food is a good reason. But I'm friends with several cats I don't feed. Petting works!

[–] Globulart@lemmy.world 4 points 11 months ago

Cats didn't domesticate themselves by being fed directly by humans. But humans still brought the food because humans bring rats and mice with them, cats stuck around for the greater volume of prey.

And the scritches, obviously.

[–] jballs@sh.itjust.works 16 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Pretty sure my cat would still kill me if he had the ability. He'll be like "Give me pets. Scratch my belly. Now DIE!"

[–] Cysioland@lemmygrad.ml 5 points 11 months ago (1 children)

AFAIR it's because the cat showing you their belly is not "scratch my belly" but rather "I'm not afraid of you so I show you my most fragile of bits"

[–] Mesophar@lemm.ee 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

This for sure. Next time your cat shows you their belly, scratch the back of their head or pet their back like you normally would and see if they react better.

[–] Cysioland@lemmygrad.ml 5 points 11 months ago (2 children)

My cat actually loves belly rubs, but I remember that little tidbit with other cats.

[–] Mesophar@lemm.ee 1 points 11 months ago

Some cats do like it! Depending on situation, mine do as well, but my roommates have a cat who will quickly flop over to show her belly if you pet her, but will act offended and give a warning bite if you try to pet her there

[–] kamen@lemmy.world 3 points 11 months ago

I don't know about that... Try petting a bear.