What if cats and dogs had opposable thumbs?

[nacktman]

Since March 3rd is What If Cats And Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day I was wondering what are your thoughts on this deep philosophical question are?

[Longhairbear]

My sister's cat already gets a good hold on my ankles when he wants to eat. With thumbs he might get a better grip to drag me over to his bowl, when I am visiting. He has been known to turn on the faucet in the pantry to get a drink and has figured out how to turn the door knobs. With thumbs he might just be able to open a can of tuna.
Dogs I have known would throw the ball back.

[shomymojo]

I agree...with thumbs..they wouldn't need us...they could operate a can opener...lol

[Boreas]

The two cats in my avatar are very smart and have raised catproofing the house to a new level. I have had to change the containers for their food and litter because they had the brains and the brawn to open them. I can only imagine what shenanagans they would get into if they had opposable thumbs! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/freak.gif

[Hooked]

My dogs would be able to clip their own claws which would be great because they hate it when I do it.

[R.M.GREENMAN2]

Playing catch would take on new dimensions!

[Baron Lake]

Yeah. I'd end up doing the fetching.
b.l.

[lightmetal]

At least they would be able to use toilet paper!

[sw1sweendog]

they would'nt have to lick it...lol

[Naturist Mark]

Witness the next step in cat evolution

[Jason Lee]

a cat with mutated paws (an experiment gone wrong)

[shãybare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by shomymojo:
I agree...with thumbs..they wouldn't need us...they could operate a can opener...lol </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/cool4.gif
The dogs maybe, but I think the cat would still have us wait on them as they see us in a roll of servants to serve their Regal selfs.

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jason Lee:
a cat with mutated paws (an experiment gone wrong) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not an experiment, just a genetic variation. There is a colony of 'thumbed' ( polydactyl (http://www.thecatgallery.com/polydactyl_cats.html) ) cats in Key West, Florida. They are said to be descended from Ernest Hemingway's cat.

Polydactyl cats are not uncommon in America, as much as 40% of the Maine Coon breed are polydactyl.

In many of these cats the 'thumb' is functional and opposable. These cats often display superfeline dexterity, including superb climbing and the ability to open doors, cabinets, latches, and boxes.

I may have to get one of these cats in my old age in order to open 'child proof' bottles for me.

http://www.thecatgallery.com/images/polycat-Twinkletoes.jpg http://www.thecatgallery.com/images/polycat-Dobie.jpg http://www.thecatgallery.com/images/meandboo.jpg

-Mark

[Nude in the North]

I better go check my cats.
They might be building something in the basement.

Steve

[NudePete]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Nude in the North:
I better go check my cats.
They might be building something in the basement.

Steve </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Better send in a real pet, a dog.

[Red Baron]

There is no doubt in mind that if cats had gotten opposable thumbs early in the evolutionary process, they would be RULING THE WORLD. (My four already rule my world).

[Boreas]

I have seen many polydactyl cats, they seem to be quite prevalent in Nova Scotia. Sometimes, they look like cats with big feet, and sometimes they look like cats with two feet on each front leg. Very interesting.

I personally think that cats and dogs would still lick their butts if they could use TP. It seems to be a way to pass the time for some of them.....at least it seems that way with my dog!

[Trailscout]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Red Baron:
There is no doubt in mind that if cats had gotten opposable thumbs early in the evolutionary process, they would be RULING THE WORLD. (My four already rule my world). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Red Baron, what makes you think cats are not already ruling the world?

[Longhairbear]

Mark mentioned Maine Coons. My sister's is a Maine coon, without thumbs, but still opens doors by turning the knob, and turns on the faucets.

[Jason Lee]

Thundercats could rule this world http://www.retrojunk.com/details_tvshows/8-thundercats/...e1cdc82423a1bb#intro (http://www.retrojunk.com/details_tvshows/8-thundercats/8/?PHPSESSID=c9c3956f09e302e7b9e1cdc82423a1bb#intro)

[swelch]

My cat was born from a litter of 11, all with opposable thumbs on both front paws. It is a genetic malformation due to excessive inbreeding and most don't live long due to also having chronic upper resperatory infections. Out of the 11 born, only my cat survived.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nacktman:
Since March 3rd is What If Cats And Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day I was wondering what are your thoughts on this deep philosophical question are? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>