Different Cat Breeds Inherit Different Behaviors
Cats are our most popular pets but few studies have been conducted on their behavior.“Dozens of international studies have been conducted on dog breeds’ behavior traits and heritability, whereas ours is the first study on behavior trait heritability in cats,” says Milla Salonen (formerly Ahola), doctoral student at the University of Helsinki.The research group studied the heritability of behaviour traits in three different breeds: Maine Coon, Ragdoll and Turkish Van.
All studied traits manifested differences in behavior between various breeds: activity level, sociability with humans, shyness, aggressiveness and stereotypical behavior. The largest differences in behaviour were observed in activity and the smallest in stereotypical behavior.
“Since the age of about two weeks, activity is a reasonably permanent trait, whereas stereotypical behaviour is affected by many environmental factors early on in the cat’s life as well as later. This may explain the differences observed,” says Professor Hannes Lohi,the principal investigator of the feline genetic research group.
The research group studied the heritability of behavior traits in three different breeds: Maine Coon, Ragdoll and Turkish Van. These breeds were chosen because there was a sufficient number of questionnaire responses on them and there was also enough information on the parents of the cats.
“Furthermore, these breeds are genetically diverse. Based on prior research, the Maine Coon is related to Nordic cat breeds and landrace cats, while the Ragdoll is related to Western European and American cat breeds. The Turkish Van and Angora seem to have separated from other breeds,” says Lohi.
Approximately half of behavior traits are inherited
The study discovered that the heritability estimate of behavior traits varied from 0.40 to 0.50 on average. This means that little under half of the variation in behavior traits is explained by hereditary variation. Heritability estimates are fairly similar between cat breeds regardless of genetic differences between the breeds.
There are a number of alternative explanations for behavioral differences. It is possible that behavior has been subject to selection in the breeding of cats. It is possible that the aim has been to make some cats active and some docile. Behavior traits can also ‘hitchhike’ with some other selected gene, such as the gene for fur or eye color.
Based on the current research, differences can be explained partly by genetic similarity and partly by preference for certain features, such as long hair.
“However, discovering the evolutionary background of differences in behavior traits requires further studies,” says Lohi.
“In March, we published a new and improved feline behavior and personality questionnaire on the Petsofi platform with the aim of collecting responses on more than 20,000 cats. A sample size this large would allow us to conduct unique research as well as to confirm our current results, and I wish to take this opportunity to thank those cat owners who have already responded to the questionnaire,” says Lohi.
Contacts and sources:
Hannes Lohi
Citation:Breed differences of heritable behaviour traits in cats.
Salonen, M., Vapalahti, K., Tiira, K., Mäki-Tanila, A., & Lohi, H. (2019) Scientific Reports, 9:7949. doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44324-x
Source: http://www.ineffableisland.com/2019/06/different-cat-breeds-inherit-different.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,706,955,252 |
| Stories: | 8,446,836 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
