Changes in Cat Facial Morphology Are Related to Interaction with Humans

Area of Science:

• Zoology
• Animal Morphology
• Domestication Studies

Background:

• Facial morphology in domestic animals can be influenced by human interaction and selective pressures.
• Understanding these changes in domestic cats (Felis catus) can provide insights into domestication and human-animal relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in cat facial morphology in relation to human interaction.
• To compare the facial morphology of domestic cats (feral and owned) with African wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica).
• To assess the impact of facial features on human cuteness perception.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of facial morphology using 3295 photographs of African wildcats, feral mixed-breed cats, owned domestic mixed-breed cats, and owned domestic purebred cats.
• Correlation analysis between facial morphology and duration of ownership.
• Human participant evaluation of cat face images for cuteness ratings.

Main Results:

• Owned domestic cats possess significantly shorter noses than African wildcats and feral cats.
• Owned domestic purebred cats show significantly more gradual eye angles compared to other groups.
• Facial morphology is not correlated with the number of years a cat has lived with its owner.
• Shorter nose lengths were associated with higher cuteness ratings by human participants.

Conclusions:

• Facial morphological differences between wildcats and domestic cats likely stem from domestication.
• Differences between feral and owned cats may be attributed to feralization.
• The observed facial traits in owned domestic cats, particularly shorter noses, are perceived as cuter by humans, suggesting selection for these features.