Latest news with #YumeOkamoto
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
Scientists May Have Found What Makes Cats Purr
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Our enigmatic little furry friends may have just given up one of their secrets, as scientists think they have discovered the gene which underpins purring in cats. Cats are believed to purr for various reasons, from expressive contentment and self-soothing to even helping promote bone regeneration and heal fractures. The study—which was undertaken by Yume Okamoto and colleagues at the Kyoto University Wildlife Research Center in Japan—focused on variations in the so-called androgen receptor gene, which has been linked to various feline behaviors. "Through our research, we hope to deepen our understanding of cats and contribute to building happier relationships between cats and humans," Okamoto said in a statement. Stock image of a purring cat Stock image of a purring cat Konstantin Aksenov/iStock / Getty Images Plus In their study, the researchers worked with 280 domestic cats, all of whom were neutered or spayed mixed breeds kept as indoor pets. The team both conducted behavioral assessments on the felines and collected DNA samples—allowing them to compare the androgen receptor gene with those in the other species of Felidae, the wider cat family. The findings supported the hypothesis that a genetic basis exists for both purring and other forms of vocal communication in cats. Specifically, those cats with the "short-type" androgen receptor gene were reported as purring more by their owners than those with the "long-type" gene. Male cats with the short-type gene also tended to be more vocal with humans, while their female counterparts exhibited more stranger-directed aggression. When the researchers compared the domestic cats' DNA with those of 11 other Felidae species—including cheetahs, leopards and tigers—they found that domestic cats carried longer-type androgen receptor genes not found in other members of the Felidae family. The findings revealed that those cats raised by humans since kittenhood—which are typically pure-breed cats—tend to rely less on vocal communication. Previous studies have indicated that pure-breed cats are more likely to carry the long-type gene. Of the cats in the study, many of the mixed breed felines were former strays, suggesting that rescue cats may be more vocal. The team also noted that both the fishing and leopard cats—which are both closely related to domestic felines—possessed only the short-type version of the androgen receptor gene. Put together, the findings suggest that the emergence of the longer-type genes may be a result of genetic changes associated with domestication and selective breeding. With their initial study complete, the researchers are now planning to expand the focus of their research to include other species of the Felidae family. In the meantime, the findings may help us better understand our feline friends—and how best to care for them. "When we called for participants, we were moved to receive responses from 265 cat owners from across Japan in just a single day—and received kind messages," Okamoto said. She concluded: "This reminded us of the strong public interest in cat research." Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about cats? Let us know via science@ Reference Okamoto, Y., Hattori, M., & Inoue-Murayama, M. (2025). Association between androgen receptor gene and behavioral traits in cats (Felis catus). PLOS ONE, 20(5).
The Independent
7 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Why some cats purr more than others finally decoded
Cats with a gene type associated with mixed breeds may purr more at their human companions than those without, according to a new study. The findings shed more light on the genetic basis of purring and communication in cats, say researchers from Kyoto University in Japan. Domesticated cats are social animals that communicate with other felines and humans. One way in which cats express themselves is through soft purrs, produced by a special mechanism in the vocal folds within the larynx. The purring sounds are made by relaxation of muscles in the vocal folds that require constant control from the brain via nerves. Some studies suggest that since kittens are born blind and deaf, they use purring vibration to communicate with their mother and littermates. While previous research indicates that purring may have evolved as a beneficial trait for feline communication, its exact function remains unclear. The latest study, published in the journal PLoS One, conducted a behaviour assessment of 280 cats, which were spayed or neutered mixed breeds kept in their owners' homes. Researchers collected DNA samples and analysed specifically the androgen receptor gene, comparing this to its version in other feline species. "When we called for participants, we were moved to receive responses from 265 cat owners from across Japan in just a single day, and received kind messages,' Yume Okamoto, first author of the study, said. The findings strongly point to a genetic basis for both purring and vocal communication in cats. Scientists found that cats with the short-type androgen receptor gene seemed to show higher owner-assessed purring than those with the long-type gene. Male cats with the short-type gene exhibited higher vocalisation towards humans, indicating the gene's connection to vocal communication, according to the study. In comparison, female cats with the short-type gene displayed higher stranger-directed aggression. The results indicate that there is less importance of vocal communication in cats raised by humans since kittenhood, which mostly happen to be pure-breed cats. On the contrary, many mixed-breed cats and rescues included in the study tended to meow more. This is in line with previous findings that pure-breed cats are more likely to carry the long-type gene than mixed-breed cats. Among wild feline species closely related to domesticated cats, the leopard cat and the fishing cat both possess only the short-type gene. In comparison, domestic cats have longer androgen receptor gene types that are not found in the other species. Overall, the findings suggest the emergence of these longer genes may have resulted from changes associated with domestication and selective breeding. Researchers hope the results can help predict house cat behavioural tendencies and facilitate enhanced care to help improve animal welfare. "Through our research, we hope to deepen our understanding of cats and contribute to building happier relationships between cats and humans," Dr Okamoto said.
