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The cry embedded within the purr

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 18:04 authored by Karen Mccomb, Anna Taylor, Christian Wilson, Benjamin D Charlton
Despite widespread interest in inter-specific communication, few studies have examined the abilities of companion animals to communicate with humans in what has become their natural environment the human home [1,2]. Here we report how domestic cats make subtle use of one of their most characteristic vocalisations purring to solicit food from their human hosts, apparently exploiting sensory biases that humans have for providing care. When humans were played purrs recorded while cats were actively seeking food at equal amplitude to purrs recorded in non-solicitation contexts, even individuals with no experience of owning cats judged the `solicitation purrs to be more urgent and less pleasant. Embedded within the naturally low-pitched purr, we found a high frequency voiced component, reminiscent of a cry or meow, that was crucial in determining urgency and pleasantness ratings. Moreover, when we re-synthesised solicitation purrs to remove only the voiced component, paired presentations revealed that these purrs were perceived as being significantly less urgent. We discuss how the structure of solicitation purrs may be exploiting an inherent mammalian sensitivity to acoustic cues relevant in the context of nurturing offspring.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Current Biology

ISSN

0960-9822

Issue

13

Volume

19

Page range

R507-R508

Pages

2.0

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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