Behavioral system and apparatus for tone-detection and choice reaction times in the cat

An efficacious operant-conditioning procedure for psychophysical experiments with cats is described. The system features (a) restraint of the cat and the use of the liquid reinforcement delivery cup to control orientation with respect to the stimuli, (b) a minimum of apparatus between the cat and a free-field sound source, (c) two response pedals so that separate "Yes" and "No" responses are defined, (d) a discrete trial procedure with reaction time (RT) defined as the time from the onset of a trial until the occurrence of a response, and (e) an effective liquid reinforcer and simple delivery system. Operation of the system was demonstrated with the method of constant stimuli. Detectability was directly related, and median RT for correct "Yes" responses inversely related, to tone sound pressure.