PurrDifferent cats can sound somewhat different when purring.Domestic cat purring mixed with pronounced meowingThis sound is made when a guinea pig is content, examples of this include when it is being petted or held, when groomed, investigating a new place, or given food. It is neither continuous nor does it correspond to respiration, and thus is not a true purr.Problems playing these files?
Biological specificityBiological specificity is the tendency of a characteristic such as a behavior or a biochemical variation to occur in a particular species. Biochemist Linus Pauling stated that "Biological specificity is the set of characteristics of living organisms or constituents of living organisms of being special or doing something special. Each animal or plant species is special.
LarynxThe larynx (pl.: larynges or larynxes), commonly called the voice box, is an organ in the top of the neck involved in respiration, producing sound and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. The opening of the larynx into the pharynx, known as the laryngeal inlet, is about 4–5 centimeters in diameter. The larynx houses the vocal cords, and manipulates pitch and volume, which is essential for phonation.
CatSmall domesticated carnivorous mammalThe cat (Felis catus), also called domestic cat and house cat, is a small domesticated carnivorous mammal. It is a member of Felidae, the family of mammals in the orderCarnivora also colloquially referred to as cats. An obligate carnivore requiring a predominantly meat-based diet, it has retractable claws adapted to killing small prey species such as mice and rats.
Social groomingSocial grooming is a behavior in which social animals, including humans, clean or maintain one another's bodies or appearances. A related term, allogrooming, indicates social grooming between members of the same species. Grooming is a major social activity and a means by which animals that live in close proximity may bond, reinforce social structures and family links, and build companionship.
Feral catA feral cat or stray cat is an unowned domestic cat (Felis catus) that lives freely outdoors and avoids human contact; it does not allow itself to be handled or touched, and usually remains hidden from humans. Feral cats may breed over dozens of generations and become a mesopredator or even a local apex predator in urban, savannah and bushland environments, especially on islands where native animals did not evolve alongside natural predators.
Olfactic communicationOlfactic communication is a channel of nonverbal communication referring to the various ways people and animals communicate and engage in social interaction through their sense of smell. The humanolfactorysense is one of the most phylogeneticallyprimitive and emotionallyintimate of the five senses; the sensation of smell is thought to be the most matured and developed human sense.
Body languageBody language is a type of nonverbal communication in which physical behaviors, as opposed to words, are used to express or convey information. Such behavior includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch and the use of space. Although body language is an important part of communication, most of it happens without conscious awareness. In social communication, body language often complements verbal communication.
DomesticationSelective breeding of plants and animals to serve humansDogs and sheep were among the first animals to be domesticated, at least 15,000 and 11,000 years ago respectively.Rice was domesticated in China, some 9,000 years ago.Domestication is a multi-generational mutualistic relationship in which an animal species, such as humans or leafcutter ants, takes over control and care of another species, such as sheep or fungi, to obtain from them a steady supply of resources, such as meat, milk, or labor.
Territory (animal)In ethology, territory is the sociographical area that an animal consistently defends against conspecificcompetition (or, occasionally, against animals of other species) using agonistic behaviors or (less commonly) real physical aggression. Animals that actively defend territories in this way are referred to as being territorial or displaying territorialism. Territoriality is only shown by a minority of species.
Haptic communicationHaptic communication is nonverbal communication and interaction via the sense of touch. Touch can come in many different forms, some can promote physical and psychological well-being. A warm, loving touch can lead to positive outcomes while a violent touch can ultimately lead to a negative outcome. The sense of touch allows one to experience different sensations such as pleasure, pain, heat, or cold.
Social statusSocial status is the relative level of social value a person is considered to possess. Such social value includes respect, honor, assumed competence, and deference. On one hand, social scientists view status as a "reward" for group members who treat others well and take initiative. This is one explanation for its apparent cross-cultural universality.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.