Raised With Cats, This Dog Purrs When He Gets Pet!

While genetics play a big role in how someone’s personality develops, the environment they grow up in also impacts development. For example, most people think that dogs are genetically wired to wag their tails when they’re happy, but what if that dog grows up amongst cats?

Would they react as expected, or will they pick some traits up from their feline friends? Winston is the perfect answer to that question. He is a loving dog that loves pets and cuddles but shows his appreciation in an unusual way.

He was adopted by Beth Clark when he was just a puppy and has been surrounded by cats ever since. The Clarks always rescue and foster cats, so Winston has always had feline brothers and sisters. When Beth brought him home, there were six cats living there already. And, growing up amongst cats clearly influenced Winston.

When Winston was four months old, Beth was giving him a belly rub when she noticed that the dog was making an unusual sound. He was purring just like a cat. Beth was confused at first but quickly figured that he was just reproducing what he saw and heard around him. Because of all the cats in the house, Winston associated purring with being content. So, that’s the way he has shown appreciation ever since.

@bethdc7

Ohhhh Winston 🤦🏻‍♀️🤌🏻 #pitbull #purr #cat #catsoftiktok #catdog

♬ original sound – Beth Dooley Clark

While this behavior might confuse some people, the Clarks think it’s beautiful. It shows how strong the bond between the cats and Winston is, and how comfortable he feels in an environment filled with felines. And, in the end, if Winston is happy, his family is happy, so they don’t care how he shows it.

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