Are Cats and Dogs Really Natural Enemies?
People often think cats and dogs are natural enemies because of what they see in books, TV shows, and movies. But is this really true? Do cats and dogs really hate each other?
While it’s true that both animals can be territorial, it doesn’t mean they are born enemies.
As noted by Naylabone.com:
“The majority of cats can happily coexist with a dog if they are given time to comfortably get to know each other. If a puppy and kitten are raised together, they generally will learn right away to tolerate each other, and some cats and dogs grow to be real friends, even playing and napping together.”
Cats and dogs can get along, and many stories, like the one about Marlin, prove it’s possible.
Meet Marlin, Caroline Jarvis-Hopkins and her husband Mack, from North Carolina, have a special home with four dogs and a cat named Marlin, who acts like a dog. They took Marlin in when he was just five and a half weeks old.
Caroline and Mack love outdoor adventures and often take their pets with them. Whether they go hunting, fishing, diving, or swimming, Marlin always joins in. Unlike most cats, Marlin enjoys the water.
Do Cats Really Dislike Water?
According to Britannica, most cats dislike water for a few reasons. First, cats evolved in dry areas and aren’t used to water. Second, wet fur is uncomfortable for them and makes grooming hard. Finally, falling into water can be a shock, adding to their fear.
But some cats are curious about running water and will play with it without getting wet. Some breeds, like the Maine Coon, Bengal, and Turkish Van, even like to swim because their fur resists water.
Marlin is one of those rare cats who loves water, showing that not all cats hate it.
Marlin’s name is fitting because a marlin is a fast, sleek fish known for its speed in the water. Though stories about their speed are often exaggerated, marlins are indeed very swift.
Caroline and Mack likely named their cat Marlin because of his love for water. But Marlin’s charm isn’t just about his water-loving nature; he also acts like a dog.
Growing up with dogs, Marlin now thinks and acts like them. He sees the dogs as his siblings, and Caroline and Mack love how well they all get along.