Perez, Faith E.

BSA-3

3 Researches

1. Cat Body Language: The way your cat communicates

By: Dr. Carly I. O’malley (April 6, 2019)

Abstract
Humans are unique in that we use language to communicate with one
another. However, many other animals use body language to communicate,
including our cats. As cat parents, we may often wonder what our cats are trying to
tell us. If you are well-versed in cat body language, then you just might be able to
decipher their message. Cats use a lot of different cues to communicate with us, so
learning how to tune in to what your cat is trying to tell you can improve their life and
yours. Moreover, knowing how to read when your cat is content, anxious, scared, or
defensive can help you manage their environment in an optimal way.

Background/Rationale
The significance of this study is to help cat parents and other people
understand cats as they communicate through body language and different cues to
communicate to humans

Findings of the study

Learning how to read your cat’s body language is a great way to ensure you
are providing your cat a happy life. Their body language will tell you if they are
content, happy to see you, scared, anxious, or angry. Tuning in to the different ways
that cats communicate can help you provide them the environment they need to be
content and happy.

2. Are Cats Ticklish?

By: By Dr. Kaitlin Wurtz (January 28, 2021)

Abstract
If you are a cat parent, you may have noticed your cat reacting to some forms
of touch as if they are ticklish. In humans, gentle touches on the bottoms of our feet
can send a shiver up our spine. When we gently tickle our cat’s paws, we may notice
them twitch as if they are feeling something similar.

Background/Rationale
This article will explore whether cats are ticklish and provide some
recommendations to pet parents on how to touch your cat and how to read if they
are enjoying it or not.

Findings of the study

In summary, cats are ticklish in some capacity. They are sensitive to light
touches across their skin, just as humans are. However, they do not experience the
laughter inducing gargalesis tickles that humans and great apes have evolved to
feel. When tickling your cat, pay special attention to their body language to gauge
where they enjoy being touched and when they have had enough. When we tickle
our cats under their chins and on their cheeks, we are mimicking a social bonding
behavior that cats do amongst themselves to show affection. By improving our
understanding of our cat’s ticklishness, we can avoid causing them discomfort or
annoyance, and instead use ticking to improve our bond with our furry friend.

3. How Smart Are Cats? Instinct and Intelligence In Cats

By: Dr. Carly I. O’malley (October2, 2019)

Abstract
It is well known that dogs are highly intelligent, intuitive, and trainable animals.
They are incorporated into the lives of humans in many different and complex ways.
Sometimes in comparison to dogs, cats get a bad reputation for being aloof, cold,
and stubborn, but the truth is that cats are also highly intelligent, intuitive, and
trainable. Cats and dogs come from two different lineages of animals that needed
different skills to survive, and the process of domestication for each was very
different. As a result, dogs and cats have different learning styles and respond
differently to people. This leads to the bad reputation cats have for not being very
intelligent.

Background/Rationale
This article will discuss what is known about cat intelligence and how you can
incorporate their intelligence into your everyday interactions with your feline friend.

Findings of the study

With this information, it is easy to see that cats are highly intelligent. While
they may not act and think like a dog, they have a different set of cognitive skills that
contribute to their intelligence. These skills were developed through careful selection
over many years of evolution. Cognitive skills develop in animals based on their
environment and what they need to do to survive. Our domestic dogs developed
skills to bond with humans and read our behavior to obtain food and protection. Cats
did not need to develop this skill to survive, and therefore they do not display their
intelligence in the way dogs do. However, cats are plenty smart and there are a
variety of ways for you to test their intelligence and provide mental stimulation and
enrichment.

References:

Google Scholar
Cat Body Language: The Way Your Cat Communicates – Petozy
Are Cats Ticklish? – Petozy
How Smart Are Cats? Instinct and Intelligence In Cats – Petozy