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What would most likely happen if cats and dogs grow to develop opposable thumbs?

If cats and dogs were to develop opposable thumbs, several humorous and intriguing scenarios are often speculated about, based on their current behaviors and instincts. Here are some likely outcomes:

Food and Treats

Both cats and dogs would likely use their new thumbs to access food more easily. They could open cans, bags of kibble, and even the fridge to get to their favorite treats. This could lead to overeating, as they would have unrestricted access to food1 2 5.

Independence and Mischief

Pets would gain significant independence, allowing them to open doors, go in and out of the house as they please, and even open fence gates to explore or escape2 5.
They might use tools to scratch hard-to-reach areas, such as their backs or ears, and could potentially use scissors or other objects to manipulate their environment2 5.

Household Chaos

Cats and dogs could cause considerable chaos in the home. Cats might empty drawers, hide important items, and rip labels off canned goods just for the sake of mischief. Dogs might repeatedly go in and out of the house, and both could make a mess by opening various containers and packages1 4 5.

Technology and Entertainment

With opposable thumbs, pets might develop an interest in technology. Dogs could watch videos of squirrels or cute animals, while cats might become internet trolls, delete files, or change passwords to gibberish. They could also play video games, leveraging their natural prey drive4.

Daily Activities

Dogs might use their thumbs to play fetch in new ways, such as throwing balls back to their owners, and could even engage in thumb wrestling with other dogs. Cats could use tools to build complex traps for mice or other small prey1 5.

Human Interaction

The dynamic between pets and their owners would likely change. Pets might expect less assistance from humans and could become more demanding or independent. However, some argue that the fun and interaction between pets and owners, such as opening doors or feeding them, would be lost if pets could do these tasks themselves1 3 5.

Overall, the development of opposable thumbs in cats and dogs would likely lead to a mix of amusing and chaotic outcomes, highlighting both the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a significant anatomical change.