Overview

• A new study published in PeerJ Life & Environment demonstrates that exotic cats respond more intensely and quickly to the voices of their caretakers.
• The research involved 24 cats across 10 species, including tigers, lions, and cheetahs, and found that their ability to recognize voices is not dependent on domestication.
• Cats showed a stronger response to familiar voices, regardless of their rearing history, debunking the theory that less social species lack socio-cognitive abilities.
• The findings could lead to improved welfare standards for both domesticated and undomesticated cats by understanding their social cognition better.
• Further research is planned to explore recognition of familiar humans in other animals, including snakes and owls, expanding our understanding of animal social cognition.