Over 40% of Pet Cats Play Fetch — Researchers Unsure Why

Approximately 40% of pet cats engage in fetch with their owners, raising questions about the reasons behind this behavior.

Fetch is traditionally associated with dogs. However, emerging research suggests that cats also participate in this game — perhaps more than expected.

A study published in PLOS One revealed that 40.9% of cats bring back a thrown toy "sometimes," "usually," or "always." Researchers remain uncertain about why this behavior occurs. For dogs, specific traits were selected during domestication to promote fetching. However, according to study co-author Mikel Delgado, an animal behaviorist at Purdue University, we have not systematically selected cats for similar tasks.

Delgado explained that while we understand why dogs fetch due to selective breeding, we must ask why a significant number of cats engage in this behavior.

A separate 2023 study published in Scientific Reports indicated that a majority of cats initiate fetch on their own; nearly 95% do not require formal training. However, that study focused on cat owners who reported their pets played fetch. The new research provides deeper insights into the prevalence of this behavior.

Among over 8,000 surveyed cat owners, many reported various carrying activities. In addition to this fetch statistic, nearly 58% of cats carry toys around, and 39% bring items to their owners to begin playtime.

Siamese, Burmese, and Tonkinese breeds demonstrated the highest frequency of fetch behavior. Factors increasing the likelihood of fetching included being male, residing exclusively indoors, and having no identified health issues. Interestingly, cats that live with dogs were less likely to play fetch, possibly due to dogs' predatory tendencies toward cats and their toys.

The researchers also compared the fetching behaviors of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). A survey of over 73,000 dog owners showed that close to 78% of dogs engaged in fetch at least occasionally. Breeds like retrievers, poodles, pointers, and spaniels were most inclined to play fetch, with retrievers specifically bred for this function.

Similar to dogs, fetching for cats may serve as a leisure activity. Delgado noted that for both species, fetching linked to measures of energy and activity suggests it's a playful behavior. Fetching might also allow cats to refine hunting skills like pouncing and biting. However, the influence of domestication on these behaviors is still uncertain.

The study aims to bring attention to fetching in cats, who are often seen as solitary creatures. Delgado highlighted that, contrary to this image, cats can exhibit social behaviors. Playing fetch serves as an engaging way for them to interact with humans.

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