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Talking or Just Meowing? Food Test Suggests Cats Call for Human Attention
Researchers found 38 cats meowed significantly more when owners were present, suggesting the vocalizations are a targeted request for help reaching food.
- Scientists from the University in Sao Paulo found domestic cats meow significantly more when humans are nearby, suggesting meowing functions as a socially directed communicative signal rather than purely emotional expression.
- For the study, researchers recruited 38 domestic cats known to be vocal around food, observing each for one minute with an attentive human present and alone while placing a favorite treat in an inaccessible container.
- Results showed each cat produced about 20 meows when alone, but significantly more with a human companion present, consistent with meowing functioning as a communicative signal rather than purely emotional expression.
- Cats frequently looked directly at caregivers using 'gaze alternation' to alternate between the person and treat; conversely, they stood still and stared at the door significantly more when alone, suggesting they discriminated which behavior was more effective.
- Living alongside humans likely favored cats to evolve more flexible meows, scientists noted, suggesting their famous vocalizations represent a carefully targeted attempt to get what they want from owners.
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21 Articles
21 Articles
Westfalenpost+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Those who have cats at home know that the animals can be very communicative. Researchers have now studied a special means of communication in more detail.
·Essen, Germany
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Those who have cats at home know that the animals can be very communicative. Researchers have now studied a special means of communication in more detail.
·Berlin, Germany
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Talking or just meowing? Food test suggests cats call for human attention
As any cat owner knows, their feline companion is the boss of the home, and their meows are one way to get attention. But are those noises actually an attempt to communicate with us, or simply an expression of how the cat feels?
·Douglas, United Kingdom
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Looks like animals are targeting sounds to a particular recipient.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 38%
C 50%
12%
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