We cats are famous for our human manipulations. But did you know that dogs are just as manipulative? Researchers at the University of Portsmouth Dog Cognition Centre discovered that dogs use their facial expressions to get humans to do their bidding! And you thought all those cute looks were involuntary? Ha.
These researchers discovered that when humans weren’t around, dog facial expressions were way more subdued. But when they wanted something (usually food) and humans were there, they pulled out some of their best dog faces. And humans were putty in their paws.
So yeah, dogs are just as cunning and crafty as cats. Maybe more so! Because they totally had humans fooled. They thought dogs were making these silly, exaggerated expressions involuntarily. But no, it’s a learned behavior. On the other hand, maybe we cats are better at human manipulation because we are known for it — and humans buy into it anyway.
So who do you think wins at the human manipulation game? Vote in my poll!
Loading ...Meanwhile, here are some of my cute manipulation faces for your enjoyment.
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- The Big Difference Between Cats and Dogs – and Why Humans Don’t Get It
- Do Cats Love Their Humans as Much as Dogs Do?
- 5 Reasons We Cats DON’T Want to Be Like Dogs – and 5 Reasons Dogs Should Envy Cats!
In our home, it’s 3 to 1, cats to dog. When we adopted Charlie (the dog) he was a young, innocent puppy, and the cats sat him down and explained life to him. He has never forgotten that in the home hierarchy, it’s cats first, mom second, dog and dad tied for last. That said, he is just as honest and upfront as he can be, whereas 3 cats can double up (triple up?) on mom for food, treats, more room in bed, whatever. Mia, my little, old-lady cat, makes a lot of noise; Smudge, the roundest babycat I’ve ever lived with has the best expressions and headbutts, and Taco, the youngest, big solid black boy will sit on me, purr, and pat me with his 7-toed polydactyl paws. They can play it individually or in concert, and rarely lose. Charlie just waits to see what happens next. And I love ’em all, just the way they are!!
Oh sweet Summer. Cats are master manipulators. Dogs are so transparent in their manipulation. Cats get anything they want. I have 60 years with animals, mostly cats but been around many, many dogs. Cats rule. Dogs drool MOL
I think when you own a human they really get to know your personality and then can read your face more than if they are with a strange cat. I know Dad says he knows what we are thinking, or when we try to get something
That’s certainly an interesting study! I say cats are better at it though, just naturally expressive! Cats are closer to their wild counterparts than dogs are, they just came around from the wild and quickly learned how to relate to us. Dogs have been bred much farther away from their wild ancestors, with much more opportunity to learn to interact.
We cats are smarter, so we say cats, for sure! 🙂
I’m pretty much putty in the paws of anything with four legs and fur!
How about it’s a tie ? I have had many of both over years and years. The dogs – mostly big woolly things like elkhounds – spent most of their time outside and the cats mostly inside, so they were each pretty adept at conveying what they wanted in different ways. I’d vote for a tie.
Cats are better at it because they are smarter and so darn cute. XO
You are always super cute sweet Summer! Dogs know how to pull those strings and they must do it, they must. Us kitties only do it when we want to do it.
Cats all the way!
We know us cats are better at manipulation than Cinnamon. I, Marv only have to smile and my human turns to putty! Cinnamon is pretty good though. And she gets her way almost as much us us cats.
Speaking as the Queen of Manipulators, I voted for the Cats. If anybuddy can make Momma put down her book and coffee to open noms, it’s me. All I do is sit beside her, on the arm of the couch, staring into her brain with concentration. Then, I pat her cheek. If that doesn’t work, I place myself on her lap, and meow very sweetly. If that doesn’t work… I knock over her coffee and dash to the kitchen. It always works. Love, Dori
Its a toss up for sure!!
This is the toughest question ever.
Cats for sure since we are smarter than dogs!!!
The Florida Furkids
Cats demand that humans be their servants, while dogs will take whatever they can.
Of course it has to be cats!
I stopped by on the RIGHT day!!! I say cats all the way…….and I voted in your poll too! Thank you for your most heartfelt comment on the blog the other day. It means a lot. Sorry I am not here as much as I used to be, I’m not anywhere online as much as I used to be!! Still love you anyway!
I don’t think dogs are smart enough to manipulate humans…but us cats are.
I never thought about dogs looks toward us! Interesting. And I agree, learned behavior. Cats have less expressive faces I think because dense fur covers it, whereas dogs have far less density of hair and length generally, and brow furrowing for example, shows up where that can’t happen in a cat.
I think cats and dogs can both be very smart – but seems
maybe cats are more “clever” in their human manipulation.
However, just like people, some dogs, and some cats can also
be just dumb. It all makes the world more interesting don’t
you think?
That is a good question you have Summer.
I guess when it comes to humans they are easy to manipulate because they love us {cats and dogs) so much 🙂
Purrs, Julie