# Are Cats Becoming Less Intelligent? Uncovering Brain Shrinkage
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Chapter 1: The Fascination with Felines
Have you ever wondered if cats are losing their smarts? Recent research indicates that their brains are indeed getting smaller. Scientists delve into the effects of domestication on these intriguing creatures, revealing unexpected findings.
Cats and dogs rank among the world’s most beloved pets, prompting ongoing scientific inquiry into their behavior and biology. For instance, we know that dogs can comprehend around 89 words on average, and music can influence their actions. This time, researchers from the University of Vienna and National Museums Scotland shifted their focus to felines.
Cat Brains on the Decline
Previous studies have highlighted similar trends in other domesticated animals, such as dogs and rabbits, which have also experienced brain shrinkage over time. Cats, having been domesticated approximately 10,000 years ago, are no exception.
A recent study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science concluded that “the brains of domestic cats are notably smaller than those of their African ancestors.” The research team reached this conclusion by examining the cranial capacity of various cats.
To ensure accuracy, the researchers initiated their measurements anew, as they found many earlier studies on brain size in domesticated species to be outdated or flawed.
In their investigation, they measured the skull sizes of medium-sized domestic cats and compared them to wild African cats, the direct ancestors of modern house cats. The findings revealed that domestic cats indeed have significantly smaller brains. To further explore the connection between cranial size and domestication, the researchers also evaluated European wildcats and hybrid cats. While these wild types exhibited smaller brains than their African forebears, they were still larger than those of domestic cats.
Interestingly, the researchers also assessed the size of the palates of all the cats in their study. They did not observe any significant differences, which contradicts other research suggesting that domestication has led to a reduction in the size of cats' mouths.
The Happiness of Domestic Cats
Additional studies indicate that the decrease in brain size in domesticated cats may result from a lower count of neural crest cells, which play a crucial role in threat response, among other functions. This correlation makes sense, considering that household pets encounter far fewer threats than their wild counterparts. They also enjoy the comforts of a secure environment, with food, shelter, and veterinary care readily available.
The lives of our pets have undergone significant transformation in recent years. It’s no longer surprising to see dogs and cats receiving grooming services or adhering to specialized diets. While many owners claim these practices stem from love, they can sometimes unintentionally inflict harm on their beloved companions.
Source: Royal Society Open Science
Are Cat Brains Really Shrinking?
This video explores the surprising findings regarding cat brain size and offers insights into the implications of domestication on their intelligence.
Chapter 2: Understanding Cat Behavior
Why Pets Have Surprisingly Small Brains
This video delves into the reasons behind the brain size of pets and what it means for their behavior and interaction with humans.
Concluding Thoughts
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