Pet

A cat, a dog, a rabbit, a guinea-pig as different as they may be, they have one thing in common: They are all pets. In nature and behaviour they have become so adapted that they can live with human beings. This process of adaptation, or domestication, is a lengthy one that takes hundreds of years.

Domestication (from the Latin word domus, which means house) is really nothing else then a breeding programme that keeps on crossing those animals that show people - the most useful or desirable properties. Absence of aggression is the main quality we are looking for in our pets, and apart from that affection and playfulness. We actually want them to remain stuck in their youthful behaviour, because an animal that develops naturally will lose those properties as soon as it becomes independent. This means that our pets are mentally somewhat retarded. Indeed, their brain volume is smaller than that of wild animals.

Stray animals make it very clear that, in spite of centuries of cultivation, artificial characteristics remain unstable. Already after a short period of being back in the wild timidity takes over from devotion. Attack and defence become the new survival mechanisms and there is no time for playfulness anymore. A stray cat does not play any cat-and-mouse games, but devours its prey with no further ado. If the kittens of a stray cat do not get accustomed to people within four weeks after their birth, they will grow up to be wild animals. The socialization process is not a given, but must be repeated over and over again. It goes without saying that really wild animals animals that were not tampered with and kept their nature and behaviour intact cannot possibly be domesticated within one generation.

Also when purchasing a traditional house animal it is important to make a deliberate choice. Do not be tempted to buy on impulse because your child is so moved by that sweet kitten or that fluffy rabbit - an animal is not a disposable object, but a living being that is dependent on you. Getting informed about which animal suits you is essential. Are you at home frequently enough to walk the dog? Do you become angry if the cat sharpens its nails on the furniture? Is the guinea-pig allowed to walk around sometimes or do you find that too messy? Do you just have enough space for one rabbit, which will result in the animal pining away out of loneliness and boredom? A pet shop will probably conceal any disadvantages, whereas a shelter will give you an objective recommendation. And what is more, getting an animal from a shelter you do not give renewed impetus to malafide breeders. Do not ever buy a non domesticated exotic animal. You save yourself and the animal a lot of misery.