What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day is annually observed on March 3. On this day we ask ourselves a very critical question: what if the most commonly domesticated animals in our lives could mimic some of the genetics of their owners? Imagine a world in which your dog could open the door knobs. Or, your cat could open a tin of tuna by herself, since you are always running late. Hilarious or scary? We’re still deciding. In the meantime, let’s continue to indulge in our imagination.
History of What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day
Have you ever wondered what your pets think about you? Does the inaccessibility of communication with your furry friends break your heart? Do you wish to increase the interspecies bond you share with your paw partners? Well, you are not alone. Holiday enthusiasts Thomas & Ruth Roy ask the world similar questions with their quirky holidays and dedications. One of which is What if Cats and Dogs had Opposable Thumbs? Day.
After 45 years of living with cats and dogs, American actor Tom Roy had an epiphany whilst opening a tin can. Since all of his pets were dependent on him for all of their meals, he thought to himself, “How would things turn out if pets didn’t need humans to turn that tin opener?”
Humans are the superior species for a bunch of reasons, with one of their most important powers coming from the ability to form a grip with our hands. While we don’t have the claws of a tiger or the trunk of an elephant, we do have thumbs that make lifting things possible. Without our thumbs, we won’t be able to pick up a pen, turn a handle, or hold a can of soda. The opposable thumbs enable the act of skilled manipulation that allows us to grip things. A gift of evolution, this innate genetic complexity places us legions ahead of the primates. Thumbs can move independently and freely, which is a luxury afforded only to the human being and monkeys. On March 3, we let our minds wander toward a world where our beloved pets are blessed with thumbs.
What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day timeline
Scottish philosopher James Burnett outlines the human evolution from primates for the first time.
English naturalist Charles Darwin publishes his landmark book “On the Origin of Species.”
American Scientist Sabrina Harrison theorizes the concept of opposable thumbs and their impact on our lives.
German paleoanthropologist Katerina Harvati publishes a study claiming that opposable thumbs have been present in humans for nearly two million years.
What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day FAQs
Which animals have opposable thumbs?
Several species of monkeys such as the great apes, bonobo, gorilla, gibbons, and orangutans have opposable thumbs.
Do cats have thumbs?
Most cats have an extra toe on their front paws which resembles that of a thumb.
How many senses do dogs have?
Dogs possess the primary five senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing, and the sixth sense, “gut,” which alerts them when something doesn’t feel right.
What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day Activities
Go thumbless for the day
Get into the spirit of the day by tying your thumb with your palm. You'll realize how having opposable thumbs is key to every basic function of your hand. Opposable thumbs separate us from the rest of the planet's species, and we’re grateful for it.
Appreciate your furry friends
It’s a difficult life for the thumbless! This is a special day to shower your pets with care, consideration, and sugar-free treats. Although our pets certainly lack some key skills and motor functions, they make up for it with extra long hugs, sticky kisses, and loyalty — that’s definitely worth a celebration.
Watch an animated movie with animals
“Ratatouille,” “The Lady and the Tramp,” and so many other amazing movies center around animals and share their point of view. Take the day to reimagine a life in which your pets have their own agency. What is the first thing you think they would do?
5 Things That Distinguish Humans From Cats And Dogs
Blushing
As per Charles Darwin, human beings are the only species that can blush or feel embarrassed.
Brain
The extraordinarily overdeveloped cerebral cortex of humans enables 80% of our brain function.
Dependency
Human offspring stay with their parents for longer than any other species.
Fire
Man’s ability to manipulate and use fire is the biggest reason for human beings’ evolution.
Posture
The upright posture of human beings enables the rest of the body to perform its functions.
Why We Love What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day
It doesn’t hurt to imagine
The idea behind this wacky holiday is to reimagine the world in which we get to include pets in our lives. It’s wonderful to draw up elaborate scenarios in which our pets could open the fridge or operate a can.
We could use the help
Pets are an integral part of American households. In most cities, the number of household pets outnumbers children. Yet, we spend our entire lives without ever conversing with them. This holiday is a great reminder to reevaluate our relationship with our pets.
It helps us appreciate our gifts
What if Cats and Dogs had Opposable Thumbs? Day gives us a chance to appreciate the gift of our own bodies. Ultimately, we are only the co-inhibitors of the planet. And as the most advanced species, it is our highest duty to put our gifts to use in bettering the environment we live in.
What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 3 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | March 3 | Friday |
| 2029 | March 3 | Saturday |
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