Why do dogs usually follow instructions, but cats largely ignore them?

Check your subscription status, update your details and more. Why do dogs usually follow instructions, but cats largely ignore them? This question was posed as part of New Scientist’s Last Word series, in which readers give scientific answers to each other’s questions.

Here’s what our readers had to say **Humans have domesticated both cats and dogs. Why do dogs generally follow instructions, whereas cats largely ignore them?** Wolves are pack animals. Therefore, as they were domesticated, human owners took on the role of the pack leader.

The dogs would naturally obey commands given by the surrogate pack leader – hence the term “master” for the owner of a dog. Domestic cats, on the other hand, evolved from a wild species that was naturally solitary. Such animals would therefore be used to making their own decisions.

It is possible to train cats to respond to human instructions, but this has to be done in a way that is advantageous to the cat in order for it to want to comply. Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with _New Scientist_ events and special offers. ### Twisteddoodles on scientists in horror movies Regulars ### Tom Gauld on how to scare a scientist Regulars #### Health ### Why the world’s first spinal cord transplant is so controversial News #### Comment ### Our verdict on Exit Party by Emily St.

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