Exotic Cats Recognize Caretakers' Voices, Study Reveals

Recent research shows that exotic cats, including tigers and cheetahs, can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar human voices, challenging previous assumptions about their social cognition.

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.