Raising Your Paws- Your resource for dog & cat pet parents

Raising Your Paws- Your resource for dog & cat pet parents


039 Do Humans and Pets Share All The Same Emotions? & How to Tell When Cats Are Anxious.

April 09, 2019

When your dog raises its hackles does it always mean they are angry and upset?  No, it does not.  In this episode, find out what else your dog may be feeling when you see that distinctive sign.


As a pet owner, you know your dog or cat has emotions such as fear, anger and happiness. But what about anxiety, shame, empathy, gratitude? Do dogs and cats feel all these? World renowned primatologist, Frans de Waal, author of, “Mama’s Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves” talks about the creatures that experience and act on the same emotions that you and I do.   


Have you ever wondered where certain animal expressions, such as “it’s raining cats and dogs”? come from? In this new feature, you’ll find out - and I’ll start with that one.     


Could your cat’s unusual behavior be due to an emotional problem? Regarding their emotions, cats can be surprisingly anxious.  Here are some of the symptoms and signs to watch for.


Every two weeks, after the podcast is released, make sure to see the blog that often expands on the topics covered in the shows. Here you will also find the full show notes for each episode. www.raisingyourpaws.com.


Additional Resources for the Episode:

Source for the story about raised hackles:  Why Does My Dog do that? By Sophie Collins.


Amazon link to Fran De Waal’s book, Mama’s Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves”.


To see the video of the chimpanzee named Mama, Dr. De Waal spoke about, see the blog for episode 39 at www.raisingyourpaws.com.


For more information about Frans de Waal: Living Links: Center for the Advanced Study of Ape and Human Evolution.


Fran de Waal’s facebook page