An evolutionary symphony resonates between domestic felines and humans, orchestrated by millennia of interaction and mutual adaptation. Since the first steps of domestication almost 10,000 years ago, cats have insinuated themselves into our lives, using intriguing meows to communicate with their human companions.
[ Cet article a initialement été publié le 10 juillet 2024]
This unique form of vocalization, quite different from that of their wild ancestors, reveals not only the adaptive intelligence of felines, but also their ability to navigate the human world by expressing complex needs, emotions and desires.
A story of domestication and adaptation
The relationship between cats and humans dates back around 10,000 years. At the time, wild cats began living near human communities, attracted by the abundance of food, particularly rodents attracted to human crops. This cohabitation gradually led to the domestication of cats, who learned to live and interact with humans.
Over the millennia, cats have developed behaviors that facilitate their coexistence with humans. One of the most fascinating adaptations is their increased use of vocalization. Unlike wild cats, which communicate primarily through scent markings and physical behaviors, domestic cats often use vocalizations. This difference shows that domestication played a key role in the evolution of their communication.
Why do cats meow at humans?
Cats meow to get their owners' attention and express their needs. Unlike dogs, who use a variety of vocal and body signals, cats have evolved a unique method of communication. Domestic cat meows vary in tone, duration and intensity, with each variation having a specific meaning.
Animal behavior experts believe that cats use meows to manipulate their owners. Since humans do not have as keen a sense of smell as cats and do not understand scent markings, cats use vocalizations to communicate. For example, a meow could mean that the cat is hungry, wants attention, or is happy to see its owner.
Cats' meows can also be seen as an extension of their kitten behavior. All kittens meow to get their mother's attention. Domestic cats continue to meow as adults because they have learned that this method is effective in getting what they want from their human owners.
The implications of this unique behavior
Understanding why cats meow around humans is essential to improving our relationship with them. As owners, it is important to recognize and respond appropriately to different vocalizations. This can strengthen the bond between the cat and its owner.
A recent 2022 study, led by animal behavior researcher Charlotte de Mouzon and reported by Livescience, revealed that cats can distinguish speech addressed to them from that intended for adult humans. This ability is particularly strong when the speeches come from their owners. This shows that cats develop a personalized form of communication with their humans. They thus reinforce the complexity of their vocal interaction.
Research on cat vocal communication also offers interesting insights for behavioral science. Studying this form of communication helps to understand the processes of adaptation and domestication in other animals. Researchers are exploring how to improve interactions between cats and humans through a better understanding of meows.
By deepening our knowledge of meows, we can enrich our coexistence with these fascinating creatures, making their lives and ours more harmonious.
Source used: Livescience
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