Have cats genetically evolved to better communicate with humans?
PARIS : Despite their close relationship with humans, many aspects of cat behaviour remain impenetrable. Japanese researchers have now shed some light on one of the most intriguing mysteries by uncovering the genetic mechanism behind purring.
A team at Kyoto University's Wildlife Research Centre studied 280 mixed-breed cats living in Japanese homes. By analysing their DNA samples and comparing them to those of 11 other feline species, they were able to establish for the first time a direct genetic link between purring and a variation in the androgen receptor gene.
As it turns out, cats carrying the short version of the androgen receptor gene score higher on purring scales, as assessed by their owners, than those with the long version.
This genetic difference is not only linked to simple purring: it is also associated with gender-specific behaviour. Males with the short gene vocalise more towards humans, while females with the same genetic profile display more aggression towards strangers.
These discoveries take on a fascinating dimension when placed in the context of feline evolution, in that comparative analysis with other feline species reveals a genetic transformation directly linked to domestication.
While the leopard cat and the fishing cat – species closely related to the domestic cat – only have the short version of the gene, domestic cats have long variants that are completely absent in their wild cousins.
This observation suggests that the emergence of these long versions is the result of profound genetic changes that accompanied domestication and artificial selection over thousands of years.
The ability to predict certain behavioral tendencies based on genetic data could allow for observation and care tailored to the specific needs of each cat. (Envato Elements pic)
Published in the scientific journal PLOS One, this study also highlights the differences between purebred and mixed-breed cats. The former, often raised by humans from an early age, are more likely to carry the long version of the gene and seem to have less developed vocal communication skills.
Conversely, mixed-breed cats in the study, many of which were former stray cats that had been rescued, tended to meow more. They are more likely to have the genetic variant that promotes vocalisation, as if they had developed more intense communication strategies to survive and get adopted.
This genetic understanding of feline behaviour isn't just about satisfying our scientific curiosity about our beloved furry friends. The ability to predict certain behavioral tendencies based on genetic data could allow for targeted observation and care tailored to the specific needs of each cat.
The Kyoto team plans to extend its investigations to other feline species to further our understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind various behavioral patterns.
The goal remains clear: to enrich our knowledge about cats and help build more harmonious relationships between humans and these animals.
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