Cat (Ferris Katas) has become a beloved companion to people worldwide. Despite its widespread popularity, the genetic factors influencing its behavior have been largely unexplored. A new research team from the Kyoto University Wildlife Research Center has focused on the Androgen receptor gene (ar), located on the X chromosome, and its association with feline behaviors, such as purring.
Okamoto et al. found that male cats with short alleles displayed higher directional call/voicing scores, whereas females with short alleles exhibited increased aggression towards strangers compared to their counterparts with long alleles. Image credit: Natary Anderson.
“Cats are cherished companion animals that significantly contribute to society through their interactions with humans,” said lead author Okamoto and colleagues.
“However, most negrid species, such as the African Wildcat (Ferris Livica), have solitary ancestors, while domestic cats often form groups and display social behaviors.”
“They communicate with both humans and other cats utilizing a range of behaviors and signals, including olfactory cues, touch, visual cues, and vocalizations.”
“Purring, a distinctive vocalization of cats, plays a significant role in vocal communication.”
“Initially, purring may signify a mother’s health, but it continues to facilitate communication among cats beyond the weaning phase.”
“In a social context, purring promotes security and comfort, expresses familiarity, and invites play, though its precise function remains unclear.”
For this study, researchers evaluated the behavior of 280 cats, all of whom were neutered or mixed breeds living in their owners’ homes.
DNA samples were collected and analyzed to compare the ar gene with those from other negrid species.
“Upon reaching out to participants, we quickly received responses and warm messages from 265 cat owners across Japan within just a day,” Okamoto remarked.
“This highlighted the strong public interest in feline research.”
“The findings suggest a genetic basis for both purring and vocal communication.”
“Cats with the short-type androgen receptor gene received higher ratings from their owners than those with the long-type gene.”
“Additionally, male cats with the short form displayed increased vocalizations towards humans, indicating a genetic link to vocal communication.”
“Conversely, female cats with the shorter-type gene demonstrated heightened aggression towards unfamiliar individuals.”
“These findings could indicate a decreased significance of vocal communication in cats raised by humans from kittenhood, particularly those that are typically purebred.”
“Prior studies indicated that purebred cats are more likely to carry long-form genes than their mixed-breed counterparts.”
“This study included numerous mixed-breed cats that were rescued and were previously strays.”
Through comparisons of cat genes with 11 other genes, researchers discovered that both leopard and fishing cats were genetically similar to domestic cats and possessed shorter types, while domestic cats did not exhibit longer types found in other species.
These results imply that the emergence of long types may be linked to genetic changes related to domestication and selective breeding.
“These results may help predict behavioral trends based on genetic data, enhance observation and care based on needs, and ultimately improve animal welfare,” the authors stated.
The team plans to broaden their research focus to include other negrid species.
“Through our research, we aim to enrich our understanding of cats and foster better relationships between felines and humans,” Okamoto concluded.
This study was published online on May 28th in PLOS 1.
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Y. Okamoto et al. 2025. The relationship between androgen receptor genes and cat behavioral traits (Ferris Katas). PLOS 1 20(5): E0324055; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324055
This article is based on an original release by Kyoto University.
Source: www.sci.news
