The Genetic Secret Behind Meowing Cats

Every cat has its own unique personality. Some constantly meow, while others prefer silence. Why do such differences arise? A recent scientific study conducted in Japan attempted to answer this — and the answer may be hidden in cats’ genes.

According to the BBC, a team of researchers led by Yume Okamoto at Kyoto University collaborated with cat owners across Japan to study feline behavior. Cat owners filled out a special questionnaire about their cats and took oral swabs to provide DNA samples.

Researchers analyzed a gene called the androgen receptor (AR). This gene regulates how the body responds to hormones like testosterone. The AR gene is located on the X chromosome and contains repeating DNA sequences. Shorter repeats make the gene more sensitive to hormones. Cats with short AR genes tend to be bolder and more talkative.

The study, conducted on 280 cats, found that those with the short AR variant were more likely to hiss and meow at humans. In male cats, this gene variant made them more vocal and demanding — for example, when asking for food or wanting to go outside. In female cats, this gene was linked to aggression — especially toward strangers.

Cats with longer and less active AR genes, on the other hand, tend to be calmer. Interestingly, this gene is often found in pedigree cats that have been selectively bred for moderate temperaments.

Living alongside humans may have led cats to become more “talkative,” but this isn’t always convenient — sometimes it also increases aggression.

Okamoto’s study shows that cat behavior is shaped not only by genetics but also by environmental factors. For example, in environments with limited resources, cats may behave more boldly to attract human attention. This can lead to more frequent meowing or even aggression.

These diverse behaviors are crucial for survival in nature. There can’t be just one type of cat — some benefit from being talkative and sociable in home settings, while others benefit from being quiet and observant.

For cat lovers in Uzbekistan, this study offers an important takeaway: a cat’s vocalization or attitude toward strangers is influenced not only by upbringing or environment but also by its genes. If your cat tries to “talk” to you every day, it may be part of its genetic legacy.

That’s why it’s important to accept every cat as a creature with its own world and personality. This helps us understand them better and care for them more effectively. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!