Why do some cats purr more, meow louder, or act bolder? A new study from Kyoto University links these behaviors to a specific gene — and sheds light on the deep evolutionary bond between cats and humans.
Key Points at a Glance
- Study links the androgen receptor gene to purring and vocal behavior in domestic cats
- Cats with the short-type version of the gene purr and vocalize more
- Short-type gene more common in rescued mixed-breed cats
- Long-type gene may have emerged through domestication and breeding
- Research aims to enhance animal welfare through genetics-informed care
Anyone who’s shared a home with a cat knows the comfort of a familiar purr or a conversational meow. But what determines why some cats are more vocal than others? Scientists at Kyoto University’s Wildlife Research Center may have found part of the answer — in a gene.
A new study published in PLOS One reveals that variations in the androgen receptor gene are closely associated with how much cats purr and vocalize. The research examined 280 spayed or neutered mixed-breed domestic cats and compared their genetic profiles with behavioral assessments submitted by their owners.
“We were deeply moved by how quickly cat owners across Japan volunteered to participate,” said lead author Yume Okamoto. “This enthusiasm reflects just how deeply people care about understanding their feline companions.”
The findings suggest that cats with the short-type version of the gene tend to purr more frequently and, in male cats, vocalize more toward humans. Female cats with the same short-type gene, however, showed higher levels of stranger-directed aggression. In contrast, cats with the long-type gene — more commonly found in pure-breed cats — showed lower vocal tendencies.
This may point to a behavioral shift shaped by domestication. Many of the study’s mixed-breed cats were rescued former strays, a group that showed greater vocal communication. Pure-breed cats, often raised by humans since birth, showed a higher frequency of the long-type gene — possibly indicating that vocal communication became less critical in sheltered environments.
The research team also compared genetic samples from 11 other feline species, including the leopard cat and fishing cat, and found that only domestic cats exhibited the longer variant of the gene. This suggests that the long-type androgen receptor may have emerged through evolutionary pressures tied to human domestication and selective breeding.
“Our study supports the idea that there’s a genetic foundation for behaviors like purring and meowing,” said Okamoto. “This opens up new possibilities for using genetic insights to improve cat care and welfare, especially for rescued animals.”
By identifying behavioral tendencies based on genetic markers, caregivers and shelters could better understand the needs of individual cats — offering more personalized attention, socialization strategies, or even early warnings for stress or aggression.
Looking ahead, the team plans to expand their research to other feline species to better understand the genetic roots of behavior across the broader Felidae family. Their goal: to deepen our appreciation of what makes cats unique — and strengthen the relationships we share with them.
Source: Kyoto University
