McComb, Karen, Taylor, Anna, Wilson, Christian and Charlton, Benjamin D (2009) The cry embedded within the purr. Current Biology, 19 (13). R507-R508. ISSN 0960-9822

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of Psychology > Psychology
Depositing User:	Karen McComb
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2012 15:36
Last Modified:	06 Jun 2019 09:08
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/13476

📧 Request an update