Table 4 Stepwise regression results predicting dog–cat amicability based on demographic factors, presence or absence of specific dog–cat interactions, and frequency of their interactions (N = 777 respondents). Standardized beta coefficients (β), standard errors (SE), and t-values are reported. Variables with p-values below 0.05 are considered statistically significant. Higher β values indicate stronger associations with perceived amicability.

Demographic factors

 Where the dog and cat eat food

− 0.78

0.09

− 9.14

**

 Dog housing status

− 0.42

0.08

− 5.11

**

 Age of cat when introduced to dog

− 0.32

0.08

− 3.84

**

 Cohabitation period

0.35

0.11

3.32

**

 Cat’s neuter status

− 0.20

0.08

− 2.37

*

 Age of dog when introduced to cat

− 0.25

0.10

− 2.37

*

Presence/absence of dog–cat interactions

 Cat is comfortable in dog’s presence

0.72

0.09

8.36

**

 Dog is comfortable in cat’s presence

0.62

0.08

7.37

**

 Dog picks up toys to show cat

0.40

0.07

5.56

**

 Cat has threatened dog

− 0.33

0.07

− 4.87

**

 Cat rolls over in front of dog

0.38

0.08

4.85

**

 Dog has threatened cat

− 0.32

0.07

− 4.83

**

 Dog rolls over in front of cat

0.18

0.08

2.27

*

Frequency of dog–cat interactions

 Dog and cat play together

− 0.76

0.09

− 8.59

**

 Dog is uncomfortable in cat’s presence

0.51

0.07

7.24

**

 Dog and cat spend time in the same room

− 0.47

0.07

− 6.56

**

 Dog and cat sleep together

− 0.54

0.09

− 6.03

**

 Cat is uncomfortable in dog’s presence

0.39

0.07

5.58

**

 Cat grooms dog

− 0.28

0.09

− 3.07

**

 Dog grooms cat

− 0.20

0.09

− 2.22

*