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The Similarities Between Lions & Cats

January 27th, 2008 by James

Just how similar are lions and cats? This clip from a Japanese TV show attempts to see if lions will react to certain objects and situations in the same way domesticated house cats would [you might want to avoid the video if you can't stand high-pitched cutesy narration voices]:

    The Results

Test 1: How do lions react to cat toys?
-It was found that lions will try to “punch” little furry toys much in the same way cats would.
Test 2: Do lions like catnip?
-Just like cats, lions love to drunken play with objects covered with catnip.
Test 3: Do lions open sliding doors the same way that cats do?
-Yes, they do.
Test 4 How does a lion react to a mirror in front of its food?
-Both lions and cats react to their reflection as if it is a suspicious stranger or enemy. However, the lion in the test violently attacks the mirror, while the cat does not.



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16 Comments »

Comment by D-san
2008-01-27 16:09:38

That was pretty interesting and cute, in spite of the narrator.

 
Comment by Neko: nya nyaa!
2008-01-27 19:23:17

My cat did attack mirror, but now it’s accustomed to it.

 
Comment by otsuka
2008-01-27 19:26:06

Now I know to bring cat nip and mirrors with me when I go into Lion cages.

 
Comment by Ryry
2008-01-27 20:29:51

Am I the only one who actually likes cutesy narration?

Comment by Neko
2008-01-28 04:18:47

Nuu! Your not alone…I love the high-pitchness. It’s cute =^^=

 
 
Comment by yeeliberto
2008-01-27 23:52:19

Sometimes the japanese make the logical more logical inecessarily.

 
Comment by Dan
2008-01-28 00:50:46

Oh my GOD, my ears nearly exploded in anger when she did the voice of the cat and lion.

Comment by Dakk
2008-01-28 04:09:10

Sounds like you need to see a Psychiatrist.

 
 
Comment by nyuu
2008-01-28 05:28:23

Now I know how to avoid a lion attack. Use Catnip as a diversion. lol

 
Comment by colin
2008-01-28 07:27:44

Would anyone happen to know the name of the zoo?

 
Comment by colin
2008-01-28 07:28:07

and the name of the tv show? it’s for a school assignment

 
Comment by Richard
2008-01-28 09:17:15

“Waved fluffy thing on stick in front of a half-dozen lions” That’s what I want on my tombstone…

 
Comment by nancy
2008-01-29 05:44:07

ahahah that was indeed an interesting experiment
and the high-pitched cutesy narration was pretty annoying lol

 
Comment by Bellhop
2008-02-07 19:04:06

Kawaii-ne!!!

I’m a Leo (born in August) and love cats too so this video was so interesting and funny. The cutesy voice is ok too. I just don’t know how to sound like that!!! :p

 
Comment by Ventolin
2009-05-31 00:08:05

Just a small observation. Catnip and matatabi comes from different plants. The video reffers to matatabi (that is the common herb used in Japan instead of catnip).

Matabi cames from the Silver Vine plant (Actinidia polygama) and the catnip from the Nepeta cataria.

Wikipedia:
“Catnip and catmints are mainly known for the behavioral effects they have on cats, particularly domestics.” – The experiment was made with matatabi.

Anyway… maybe is better to test by ourselves, we just need about 3 cats, 3 lions and catnip ;) (
I suggest 3 of each because not all cats reacts to catnip, is a hereditary condition).

 
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