Social media sensation Opie, the pit bull mix cat-bred, captivates audiences with tender displays of affection
Wrapped Around Feline Fancies: Exploring the Unlikely Pitbull-Cat Dynasty
In a world where superpowers are sometimes overrated, a simple shift in surroundings and a captivating narrative can spell fame. This, a lesson learnt from Opie, a pitbull that's ruled social media's TikTok space with his baffling feline-like antics.
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Opie is no everyday pitbull. Raised amid a family of felines, this unconventional upbringing has profoundly impacted his life. In a video with over 30 million views and nearly 7 million likes, Opie steals hearts as he contorts into diminutive feline beds and exhibits body language reminiscent of a Maine Coon - a large domestic cat breed.
With the caption "Want to see how a pitbull raised by cats acts?", a video under the username @justopiethings showcases Opie's adorable yet puzzling ways that have left viewers questioning if it's possible for a dog to echo a cat's mannerisms.
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The Enigma of a Dog Evolving into a Cat
Opie isn't your average pitbull. Growing up nestled among a brood of cats left indelible imprints on his interactivity. The viral video, posted on May 31, captures Opie's feline postures with uncanny precision.
Other videos depict his likeness to felines further, revealing Opie lying compactly or attempting to groom himself. This clip triggered an avalanche of over 19,000 comments.
"The way his facial expressions judge you, like a cat, is absolutely perfect," wrote user Mariahargrove5. Another popular comment reads: "My favourite animals are cats raised by dogs or dogs raised by cats; if you don't agree, you're wrong."
Life's a Catwalk for Dogs and Cats, Alike
The compatibility between dogs and cats is possible, though not always smooth sailing. According to the Dog Trust charity, several determinants matter: the characters of both animals, the introduction process, and – most critically – the shared environment. Humans should monitor interactions and proceed gradually, starting with the exchange of aromas as both become comfortable.
While feline-friendly breeds like Maine Coons, Siamese, and Ragdolls usually accept canines, Opie's camaraderie with his feline kin was instant, as confirmed by his human parents.
Raised among cats allowed Opie to assimilate more than just postures and behaviors – even typical feline preferences, such as sleeping in cramped areas or using tiny beds.
Can a Dog Become a Cat?
Dogs can emulate cats or any other species they interact frequently with, particularly if they cohabitate from an early age. As sociable and observant creatures by nature, dogs can glean useful behaviors from those around them. This trait isn't specific to a breed, but it may be more prevalent in breeds known for their friendly disposition.
Research published in National Geographic explains this mimicking behavior by delving into evolutionary aspects. Dogs possess a lengthier and more pliant socialization period than cats, empowering them to adapt more proficiently to diverse environments and to learn from others in their environment. Additionally, their social dynamics urge them to observe and replicate behaviors, even if they stem from a different species.
One area of noticeable imitation is in body language. Some dogs that live with cats attempt to "purr" to catch their owners' attention or adopt body formations typical of their feline counterparts. Regardless of these behaviors, a dog does not perceive itself as a cat. Rather, it adapts to its surroundings and mirrors what it observes.
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Dogs bred and living with cats can absorb feline traits, such as:
- Feline-inspired Poses: Canines may assume calm, reserved poses, akin to those felines embrace.
- Prey Instincts: Some dogs might develop a stronger prey drive, engaging in stalking behaviors analogous to those of cats.
- Play Activities: Dogs might undertake more independent play, resembling the more unruffled play styles of cats.
- Grooming: Dogs might adopt a more fastidious approach to grooming, a trait often connected to cats.
- Avoiding Eye Contact: Similar to cats, dogs may avoid direct eye contact, particularly if they are not confident or intent on avoiding confrontation.
Breeds that boast a calmer and more independent nature, such as Italian Greyhounds, tend to exhibit these behaviors more frequently than others. However, it's crucial to note that while dogs can echo feline behaviors, their fundamental characteristics and bonding styles differ substantially from those of felines.
- In the realm of social media, the unconventional pitbull, Opie, has seized attention not just because of his breed but also his remarkable lifestyle - mirroring a cat's postures and behaviors, turning heads and raising questions about the remarkable impact of upbringing.
- delving deeper into the enigma of interspecies influences, it's not unexpected to witness dogs like Opie, who grew up surrounded by cats, adapting not only physical gestures but also aspects of their lifestyle, such as grooming or play activities, blurring the lines between dogs and cats in the most unpredictable ways.
