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Dogs vs Cats (lemmy.ml)
submitted 11 months ago by to c/funny@sh.itjust.works
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[–] 52 points 11 months ago (4 children)

Is there any truth to the toxoplasmosis thing, or is it another "fact" the Internet collectively won't stop repeating?

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  • [–] 23 points 11 months ago (2 children)

    yes, it's harmless to most people, so much so that you might be infected without even knowing. it's only dangerous to immunocompromised people, especially foetuses.

    the "change in human behaviour" is more iffy, we know it changes rats behaviours, but it's hard to measure that in humans.

    check the wiki though

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  • [–] 18 points 11 months ago (1 child)

    Ive been told that cats meows have evolved to sound enough like a fussing baby to trigger our maternal instincts.

    No idea how true it is, but it feels true.

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  • [–] 17 points 11 months ago

    that is just neoteny in general.

    most domestication involved selecting animals who stay in their childlike state, ie an adult dog is mentally a puppy.

    and there is the concept that we have done that to ourselves, natural selection chose less aggressive childlike humans because they make better societies.

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