Thursday 16 July 2009

Do you own your cat or does your cat own you?

Cats change their noises to get what they want, using a high-pitched miaow, increasing in volume, to get a reaction

by: Claire Burke
15 July 2009

DO YOU own your cat or does your cat own you?

According to new research, it appears that your moggy is the one in control.

Leading animal behaviourist Robert Holmes says the household animals change the pitch of their miaow to make owners obey their commands.

A high-pitched miaow which increases in volume and frequency sounds dramatic, and therefore demands a more urgent reaction compared with a lower, quieter sound.

"Cats can be much more demanding by being more articulate, depending on what they want," said Dr Holmes.

“They will increase the frequency, volume and pitch of their voice if they feel frustrated or are not getting what they want.''

Previous research has found similarities between certain types of cat cries and the cries of young children.

Humans may be more likely to react to the noise as we associate it with the cries of offspring.

So the next time you think about giving in to your pet, remember who owns who.

http://www.thelondonpaper.com/thelondonpaper/weird/odd-news/do-you-own-your-cat-or-does-your-cat-own-you

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