We’ve seen special animal friendships before, but never one where a cat throws the ball to a dog for a game of fetch.

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What we see here is true harmony – this is how a dog and a cat can play together.

How can a dog and a cat play like this?

The key to this fantastic harmony lies in a well-known feline trait: cats love to knock things down. And that’s exactly what happens in the video above. The rolling tennis ball captures the tabby’s attention, and it happily pushes it down, where it spins and bounces away, giving Ruby the chance to catch it after the “launch.”

Cats’ tendency to “knock things over” comes from several factors: on one hand, their predatory instincts make them strike at anything moving or unstable; on the other hand, it’s a way to express their playfulness, as such situations create a fun playground for them. But it’s not just instinct—curiosity and boredom can also play a role. If something looks strange or if they’re simply bored, they’ll spring into action right away. And last but not least, territory marking matters too: with the scent glands in their paws, cats leave their mark on objects as they bat them around.

Instincts and playfulness are at the root of everything cats do

Cats and fetch

Few people know that about 40% of cats actually enjoy playing fetch with their owners. According to a 2023 study published in Scientific Reports, cats that fetch don’t follow learned patterns, but rather play on their own terms. Many of them also carry or bring different toys to their owners to get attention. Most likely, they do this to practice their hunting skills, making sure they don’t get out of practice. This way, they keep themselves fit and sharp, even when there’s no real prey around.

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