In a study published on September 17 in iScience, researchers have delved into the intriguing behavior of cats, examining how these animals navigate tight spaces and their self-awareness regarding body size. The research builds on a concept that cats possess a liquid-like quality, as suggested by a 2017 theoretical physics paper highlighting their ability to squeeze through narrow openings.
Péter Pongrácz, a biologist at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, led the study, which focused on testing cats in a more natural environment rather than traditional lab settings. Unlike dogs, which have previously shown self-representation in lab tests, cats tend to be more reclusive and stressed in such controlled environments. To overcome this challenge, Pongrácz and his team created a portable lab setup within the homes of 29 cat owners in Budapest.
The experimental design involved attaching two large cardboard panels to doorframes in each home. One panel featured five holes of the same height but decreasing widths, while the other had five holes of consistent width with decreasing heights. Owners stood on one side, while the cat and experimenters were positioned on the other. The cats were filmed as they attempted to squeeze through the openings.
The research team faced several challenges in conducting the experiments. Unlike dogs, which can be called back easily, many cats were evasive and resistant to being handled. Of the 38 cats that began the study, 30 successfully completed the trials. Analysis of the footage revealed that 22 cats hesitated when approaching the shortest holes, while only eight paused before the narrowest openings. Most cats demonstrated a trial-and-error strategy, attempting to flow through the holes regardless of whether they fit.
Pongrácz suggested that this hesitation might serve as a self-preservation tactic in nature. If a cat encounters an unknown space, pausing allows it to assess potential threats, indicating a level of awareness regarding their body size. The experiment’s findings point to cats forming mental images of their own dimensions when making decisions.
Sridhar Ravi, an aerospace engineer at the University of New South Wales, praised the simplicity and effectiveness of Pongrácz’s approach. He noted parallels with his own research on bumblebees, which demonstrated awareness of body size in flying insects. Ravi speculated that cats might behave differently based on the context, such as during a hunt, where the desire to pursue prey might override caution.
Despite the hurdles of testing feline subjects, Pongrácz found joy in the process. He encountered a variety of amusing cats and observed the often humorous reactions of their owners. Many owners had differing perceptions of their cats’ intelligence, with some convinced their pets were exceptionally clever, while others believed they were less intelligent—only to be surprised by their pets’ capabilities during the experiments.
This research not only sheds light on the fascinating behaviors of cats but also highlights the complexities of studying animal cognition outside of conventional laboratory settings.
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