Goats hanging out with horses. Mules nuzzling dogs. We love unusual animal friendships. What’s at the heart of them?

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

A video of an otter and a Bernese mountain dog playing in a yard has received more than 277,000 views online. Cats and dogs are frequently friends, despite the long-standing belief that they don’t get along. And many other animals form true friendships outside their own species, including cats and pigs, rabbits and dogs, and horses and goats.

The idea of animals developing friendships was once considered taboo by scientists, who considered it anthropomorphic -- the attribution of human behaviors to animals -- but with recent research demonstrating that animals can have long-term social relationships, it has become an acceptable term by academics.

People who live and work with animals probably wonder what took scientists so long. They frequently observe strong interspecies friendships, demonstrating the features of close relationships: positive interactions, touch, and gentle body contact such as social grooming or embracing.

Gambit, a golden retriever search-and-rescue dog, is friends with Edith, a mule. “Gambit is one of those goldens who doesn’t know a stranger, animal or human,” says owner and handler Susannah Charleson. “When he saw Edith was standing alone in a barnyard area one morning in April 2020, he stood with his nose pressed to the fence, petitioning to meet her, hoping to be met.”

Edith also appeared to be attracted to Gambit. She ambled over, and they nosed each other. “They stood there for a long moment, just communicating quietly,” Charleson says.

Now, whenever walks take Gambit by Edith’s place, the two have a regular connection ritual: a gentle, mutual sniff of ears and faces. “Every once in a while, (Edith will) nuzzle and nibble at the top of Gambit’s head. He holds still for this, plume tail swishing.”

Ivan, a Siberian cat, was best friends with a ferret named Bear until a move last year separated the two. They loved to wrestle, chase and play, says Ivan’s owner Ramona Marek.

Scout the horse has two companion goats, Rosie and Poppy. They are all bonded, says owner Lauren Brower, DVM, and call out for each other when separated.

Animals who form relationships outside of their own species usually do so at a very early age, before they realize, for instance, that they are supposed to be predator and prey or that they aren’t exactly alike. Very young mammals are often open to relationships with different kinds of animals, especially if the experience involves thermotactile sensation: a combination of warmth and softness. That may occur when they cuddle with each other as youngsters or if they are raised by an adult of another species.

It’s not unusual for animals to be nurturing toward the young of any species. Liz Palika’s English shepherds have helped her to raise countless foster kittens, who go off to their new homes unafraid of dogs because of the experience.

Animal cognition and behavior assistant professor J.J. Massen at Utrecht University in the Netherlands speculates that interspecies friendships may be a byproduct of friendships among members of the same species (known as conspecifics).

“I think the endocrine and cognitive mechanisms that govern friendships are not species-specific, but rely on individual recognition only,” Dr. Massen says. “If conspecifics are not available, or the ones available don’t really make a match, I think the system can be ‘hijacked’ for interspecific friendships, too. If reciprocal, they might not harm the animals and may even be beneficial for them from a psychological and fitness point of view.”

Evidence from recent research suggests that, like humans, animals choose their friends based on similarity in personality.

“Perhaps, like us, they are good at recognizing kindred spirits in whatever form they come,” says Charleson, Gambit’s owner.

Q&A

What to know

about fostering

Q: I’m interested in helping my local shelter by fostering pets. What should I know or consider before getting started?

A: Fostering is a wonderful way to help an animal prepare to become a great companion, but it takes dedication. Here’s what to consider.

Care, training and socialization take time. Bottle babies need round-the-clock care, while older animals need handling, training and socialization, as well as veterinary visits for spay/neuter surgery, heartworm treatment or dentals. Know how much time you can spare.

Foster pets may or may not be housetrained. If they aren’t, you may need to teach that skill, as well as be prepared to clean up accidents.

Part of fostering animals is teaching them how to be good family members. Be sure the whole family is prepared for this responsibility.

Your pets may have something to say about the presence of a foster pet. Take into account their age and personality before bringing a foster pet into your home. And be aware that your normally laid-back pet may respond by being possessive of your lap or forgetting housetraining.

Fostering isn’t free. The shelter or rescue group will likely cover veterinary expenses, but you may be responsible for things like food and cat litter. Be sure your budget can bear it.

Taking foster animals to adoption events, usually on weekends, is sometimes required. Be sure you have time to commit to that.

Fostering can be a long-term commitment. The length of time you have a foster animal in your home can range from several weeks to a few months.

Before working with an organization, check how well it is run. Clues include calls answered or returned promptly, coverage of veterinary care, regular contact to see how the animal is doing, and good-faith attempts to place the animal in a permanent home. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Study to look

at senior cats

-- A study by Carlo Siracusa, associate professor of clinical behavior medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, will look at how chronic inflammation affects cognition, behavior and overall health of senior cats. The study, awarded the Mark L. Morris Jr. Investigator Award by the Morris Animal Foundation, will look at 100 pet cats 7 years or older to check for signs of chronic inflammation as well as assess their behavior, living environment and cognitive abilities. “There is an increasing body of evidence that shows the immune system and inflammatory response have an influence on behavior, but we don't yet have enough data on cats," said Siracusa. "We want to investigate how physical health influences mental health, and vice versa.”

-- The bite of a tick can transmit disease to dogs and humans in as little as a few hours, so it’s essential to remove ticks carefully as soon as they are discovered. Use tweezers or a tick removal device to grasp them at the head and pull them straight out. Clean the bite area with soap and water, and keep an eye on your dog to make sure he doesn’t display signs of tick-borne pathogens such as fever, lethargy, appetite loss, enlarged lymph nodes or lameness. Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate tick preventives for your area.

-- Migrating birds have a molecule in their eyes that may allow them to “see” Earth’s magnetic field, enabling them to wing their way along migratory routes that might otherwise seem impossible for them to navigate. The light-sensitive molecule, known as a cryptochrome, may serve as a magnetic sensor that possibly works by giving the bird information about the direction of the magnetic field. The information, published last month in a study in the journal Nature, is another step toward solving the mystery of how birds navigate long distances. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

A dog or cat’s sense of hearing is an integral part of how they experience the world

By Mikkel Becker

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Most of us know that dogs have a keen sense of hearing. Cats, too! Dogs and cats have a much wider and higher range of hearing than humans; they are capable of hearing frequencies far beyond what is audible to our puny ears. In fact, a cat’s hearing is better than that of a dog and certainly superior to our own! Take a tour of canine and feline ear power to learn how they hear the world around them.

First, let’s compare hearing ability. Human hearing range extends from about 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz. Dogs hear frequencies from 40 hertz to 40,000 or 45,000 hertz. Cats rule, hearing from about 30 hertz to 60,000 hertz. That’s one of the things that makes them such excellent stalkers of prey.

Ultrasonic sound waves have a frequency above the upper limit of human hearing. But what’s ultrasonic to a person is likely normal for cats and dogs, well within their hearing ranges.

Take dog whistles. They aren’t actually silent, but simply at a higher frequency that is beyond normal hearing range for humans.

And human hearing weakens with age. An adult’s ability to hear higher sound frequencies diminishes as they get older, reducing the possible range by half for the average adult.

One of the reasons cats and dogs hear so well is because the structure of their ears enables them to be more accurate when determining where a sound is coming from. Unlike humans, who have ears that for the most part stay in place -- can you wiggle your ears? -- dogs and cats have mobile ears that allow them to home in on the direction and source of an incoming sound.

Cats, whose hearing abilities exceed those of most other mammals, have cone-shaped ears that work similarly to a satellite dish, taking in a wide range of frequencies. The shape of the cat’s ear serves two purposes: amplifying sound that is taken in and determining the direction of the sound’s source.

Their sensitive ears explain why pets so often run, hide or quiver in fear at loud or unexpected sounds such as fireworks, garbage trucks or gunshots. And it’s not just those types of sounds. It’s likely that there are many sounds in the environment that disturb pets -- electronic equipment, for instance -- but because we can’t hear them, we assume they don’t bother our pets, either.

But many devices designed for human hearing ranges have potential residual higher frequencies that are well within the hearing range of pets.

In fact, many times when a dog or cat is described as getting upset over nothing, they may well be hearing something we simply don’t perceive.

The effects on pets of exposure to sounds that lie beyond our human capacity to hear is unknown. But scientists who study the effects of noise on lab animals have found that it may affect an animal’s heart, sleep and endocrine cycles, as well as be related to increased risk of seizures. Seizures in some cats are linked to higher frequency sounds, including common household noises such as the sound made by aluminum foil when it’s crumpled, a printer in use and a phone ringing.

To help make your home environment more inviting to your sound-sensitive pet, try to reduce exposure to residual technology sounds. Consider turning off electronics when they’re not in use. (That’s good for your wallet, too, because unplugging at the power source reduces phantom power draw of devices, decreasing your electricity bill.) Try making one room in the household electronics-free so pets have at least one quiet space where they can retreat and be uninterrupted by noises we may not even realize are sounding off.

Q&A

When to spay or

neuter kittens

Q: How old should kittens be when they are spayed or neutered?

A: According to a task force whose members represent the American Veterinary Medical Association, the America Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association, the most current recommendation is for kittens to be spayed or neutered by 5 months of age.

That’s for a couple of reasons. Early spay/neuter surgery short-circuits the development of hormones that cause males to spray, mark and fight. And kittens reach sexual maturity rapidly, able to reproduce at very early ages -- well before they are 6 months old, the age at which many veterinarians still prefer to perform this surgery.

Some veterinarians who prefer to spay/neuter at 6 months or older believe that kittens sterilized at an earlier age may face future health risks such as feline urinary tract disease or bone and joint disorders, or that male cats will be predisposed to urethral obstruction. Philip A. Bushby, DVM, professor of humane ethics and animal welfare at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, says those concerns aren’t supported by science.

The fear that early neutering of male cats results in narrowing of the penile urethra and increases the risk of urinary obstruction was disproved in the 1990s, he wrote in a statement. A study comparing adult penile urethral diameters of cats neutered at 7 weeks of age, at 7 months of age and those remaining intact documented no differences in urethral diameter.

And while large-breed dogs who are spayed or neutered at an early age can develop orthopedic problems, no studies have documented similar orthopedic issues in cats sterilized at an early age.

Sterilizing kittens early benefits feline welfare because it results in fewer kittens and cats being placed in shelters because not enough homes are available for them. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

CDC to stop some

dog imports

-- Beware of adopting a dog from overseas, no matter how heart-wrenching the cause. Many are accompanied by fake rabies certificates. One dog imported into the United States from Azerbaijan for adoption by a family in Pennsylvania tested positive for rabies -- a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches -- and was euthanized. Rabies is not commonly spread between dogs in the U.S., but large numbers of unvaccinated imported dogs could change that circumstance. Effective July 14, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is banning importation of dogs from more than 100 countries classified as high-risk for canine rabies and from countries that are not at high risk, if the dogs in question have been in high-risk countries during the previous six months.

-- Esme steals gloves. Owner Kate Felmet of Beaverton, Oregon, posted a sign advising passersby that her cat was a thief and to please reclaim their items if they saw them attached to the adjacent clothesline. Turns out Esme isn’t the only cat burglar around. Other owners tweeted that their cats stole mail (that’s a federal offense, felines!), socks, cable ties, photos, paintbrushes and more.

-- Are you considering a pet rat? They make great companions for adults and children because they rarely bite, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Rats aren’t loners, so it’s best to have two of the same sex so they can grow up together and be friends when you’re not around. Pet rats need a large wire cage with opportunities to climb and play, run on an exercise wheel, and take cozy naps in a nesting box or hammock. Feed them commercially formulated pellets supplemented with small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. And be sure they have a wooden block to gnaw on to keep their teeth from overgrowing. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Pet lovers of all ages can choose from an assortment of beach reading, biology, and heartwarming tales of love, partnership and adventure

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Summer vacation is back! Whether you are enjoying the mountains, the shore or city excursions, it’s always good to have a book on hand when you’re ready to relax. Publishers have provided a plethora of fiction and nonfiction for adults and kids who love reading about animals.

1. In Alan Russell’s “The Last Good Dog” (Three Tails Press), LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his German shepherd K-9 partner Sirius are each new parents, but before they can begin enjoying family life, they must find a killer who is threatening to destroy their new happiness. The manhunt and its climax bring Gideon to a realization about his future and the new path he must take. Russell’s storytelling technique -- weaving together humor, action and suspense -- doesn’t disappoint.

2. If your tastes run more to cozy mysteries featuring dogs, you’re probably a fan of Laurien Berenson’s Melanie Travis series. The latest, “Pup Fiction” (Kensington Books), has Melanie preparing to send her sons to summer camp, but the arrival of three Dalmatian puppies on camp director Emily’s doorstep sets off several unexplained incidents, culminating in the discovery of Emily’s ex-husband’s body in the woods. Can Melanie and Aunt Peg clear their friend and save the camp season?

3. Former United States Marine Craig Grossi tells the story of how he and his dog Fred, a stray Grossi found while serving in Afghanistan, came to support a special program at Maine State Prison. In “Second Chances: A Marine, His Dog, and Finding Redemption” (William Morrow), Grossi shares stories of how the inmates, many of them veterans themselves, learn to raise and train Labrador retrievers to become service dogs for disabled veterans. The dogs not only make a difference to the veterans who receive them, they also give a second chance to the inmates who train them, developing skills, experience and a sense of self-worth.

4. If you go just by the first three words of the title, you might be tempted to pass this one by. But in “Biology of Dogs: From Gonads Through Guts To Ganglia” (Dogwise), author Tim Lewis, Ph.D., takes readers on an accessible and entertaining guided tour of the canine body, revealing fascinating facts about how dogs eat, think, reproduce, use their senses and more.

5. Can dogs learn to talk? Speech-language pathologist Christina Hunger used a push button to teach words and communication to her dog Stella. In “How Stella Learned To Talk” (William Morrow), Hunger describes their journey and the techniques she used. Fascinating!

6. George has lost his wife. Dan wrestles with OCD. Lizzie lives in a women’s shelter. Ericka Waller’s debut novel, “Dog Days” (St. Martin’s Press), explores how the lives of these three strangers intersect and the ways their dogs lend support as they face life’s challenges.

7. At one time or other, every parent has heard the words, “We want a dog.” In his picture book of the same title (“We Want a Dog,” Sourcebook Jabberwocky), author Lo Cole, with playful rhyming text accompanied by clever illustrations, takes readers through one of the most important searches of a dog lover’s life: What kind of dog? Hint: Cat lovers, you’ll enjoy this one, too.

8. Based on a true story, Lynne Barrett-Lee’s “Able Seacat Simon: the Wartime Hero of the High Seas” (Lume Books), is the fictional retelling of a skinny kitten found in Hong Kong by a kind sailor who takes him in, feeds and names him, and gives him a job: chief ratcatcher. When the ship comes under fire, Simon is wounded, but thanks to care from the ship’s doctor he is soon helping injured crewmates with their own recoveries. The “able seacat” eventually wins Britain’s Dickin Medal: the Victoria Cross equivalent for animals. Keep tissues at hand.

9. It’s not new, but rabbit lovers won’t want to miss S.D. Smith’s four-book Green Ember series, featuring brave bunnies Heather, Picket and their friends. It’s for ages 7 to 12, but I loved it as much as my 10-year-old great-nephew.

Q&A

Can adult cat

eat kitten food?

Q: I accidentally bought a bag of kitten food for my adult cat and didn’t notice it until I had already fed her a couple of times. Is it all right for her to finish the bag? I hate to throw it out.

A: That’s a great question! Cats have very specific dietary needs, so it’s smart of you to check. For instance, cats shouldn’t eat the same food as dogs because it doesn’t provide the level of protein, fat and other nutrients cats need for good health. I asked my colleague Dr. Tony Buffington to weigh in on this topic.

“On a short-term basis, it should certainly be OK for a healthy adult cat to eat food formulated for kittens,” he says. “Kitten foods are generally somewhat higher in protein, fat (making them higher in calories per gram of food) and some minerals and probably vitamins, and they likely contain less acid. But as long as the cat is fed to a healthy body condition and is eating approximately 40 kcal/kg lean body weight or more, she should be OK.”

The main reason not to feed kitten food to adult cats is that they’ll have a higher risk of becoming obese, since that food has higher levels of protein and fat. Carrying too many pounds is linked to a number of feline health problems. Obese cats are more likely to suffer a liver disease called hepatic lipidosis; feline urinary tract disease; diabetes; lameness from arthritis; complications from anesthesia; and nonallergenic skin conditions.

Remember that weight gain is more likely after cats turn 2 years old, so don't let them become sedentary as they mature. That's a heck of a lot easier than trying to change their eating habits or food after they have put on too many pounds. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Overheated dog?

What to know

-- It’s hot out there! Early signs that your pet is overheating include decreased moisture on nose tissue, less interest in play or treats, seeking shade, not wanting to move much, sprawling on cool ground, rolling his tongue out as far as it will go to increase evaporation and heat dissipation, and uncontrolled panting. Serious signs are staggering, bloody diarrhea and collapse. Cool your dog with cool or cold water -- either is fine -- and get him to a veterinarian to make sure he’s OK. It’s a good idea to stop active cooling while his temperature is still slightly higher than normal so he doesn’t become hypothermic.

-- Sprollies aren’t fancy British umbrellas. The good-looking hybrid dogs are a cross between an English springer spaniel and a collie or border collie. If you’ve been to the United Kingdom, you may have seen one relaxing outside a pub after taking their owner on an active walk or hike. Sprollies are noted for their high energy level, intelligence and good nature. The cheerful and fun-loving dogs can be intense and highly active, making them a potential challenge to live with. Their coats range from short and sparse to medium-length and bushy, and come in black and white, brown and white, tricolor, or black.

-- A bird’s beak is the avian equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, serving as a weapon, a lockpick, a nutcracker, a feather comb, a peeler, a baby bird feeder and much more. Parrot beaks consist of powerful upper and lower mandibles and a strong and agile tongue. The shape of their beak gives members of the parrot family, which include budgies and cockatiels, the nickname “hookbill.” Canaries and other finches have short, straight bills, enabling them to easily obtain the seeds and grubs that are part of their diets. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.