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Pets Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [instinct]

The natural subconscious reactions and tendencies of animal species.

The natural subconscious reactions and tendencies of animal species. This can include hunting tendencies, fear vs flight, and other behaviors more commonly associated with the species as a whole. For behaviors more specific to individual pets, use the tag or similar.

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Why does my cat walk away (and expect me to follow) while I stroke her?

Is this an instinctual habit? If so, would it be safe not to follow it? I wouldn't want to get its instincts messed up or anything.
Timtech
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Can I release my pet rabbit in the wild?

I am aware the issues surrounding feral cats and I would never consider turning a dog loose to fend for it's self. But rabbits are not predators so would seem unlikely to have a negative impact on the ecosystem, also I see wild bunnies in the…
James Jenkins
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How can I get my herding dog to not bark and chase after skateboarders, bikers, and runners?

I have a mutt that has begun to exhibit strong herding instincts. I would like to be comfortable walking him off-leash. However he is very aggressive towards skateboarders that roll by. He is less aggressive towards bikers, but occasionally wants…
drs
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Can cats release faeces from getting scared?

Yesterday, I was taking care of the trash. I took out the regular black trash bag and opened it through swinging it around (I hope you get what I mean). I was in the kitchen, which is right next to the stairs. When I started 'swinging' the trash…
D. Tunus
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Will my runaway cat come out when he gets hungry enough

I moved apartments with my 2 year old cat. And after 3 days he got outdoors and went exploring. And suddenly disappeared. I've searched and called up and down the streets, put flyers, contacted local vets and all the neighbours. I've searched as…
Jonathan Spiller
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Why does my hamster freeze?

I've had several hamsters and was wondering why they do a certain behavior. Sometimes my hamster will suddenly stop whatever it is doing and stay completely still until I move around or say something. After moving/saying something, my hamster will…
Jacob B
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Aggression or reflex? Dog that "nibbles"

I have a very energetic pup that uses his mouth a lot. He is a sweet and very good-natured pup, just very enthusiastic, rambunctious and playful. He does know "settle" and does it beautifully (for a minute or two.) You've probably all seen a dog…
anongoodnurse
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Dog goes after neighbors' chickens

About a year and a half ago i rescued a female puppy from a shelter. Everything is just fine, she loves to run, dig in the backyard, sleep in the sofa, anything simply amuses her. Once i have a big backyard, when i'm away from home to work i…
noidea
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Did "Rough Collie" dogs (and maybe other dogs?) actually guard the farm when all the humans were away?

The rough collie's long coat has made the breed successful on northern Midwest farms as an able herder and guardian of the farm during the winter. The dog needs to be gradually acclimated to the cold and a suitable insulated outdoor shelter must be…
Jadyel G.
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Does a cat behave like a dog if it is adopted with puppies when it is a kitten?

As we know, the character of cats and dogs are different, for example, dogs usually follow their owners but cats usually not. But if a kitten is adopted with a group of puppies and grow up together, will it gain the character of dogs?
Gstestso
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Can my neighbour's bees attack my bees

I want to get into apiculture, but my neighbour has bees. I read somewhere that his bees might attack my bees or my bees migrating to my neighbour's hives. How to avoid this?
Bogdan Floareș
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