Have you ever wondered why one cat in your home is a quiet observer while the other loudly meows for food or attention?Cat vocalisation genes A new study from Kyoto University in Japan suggests the answer may lie deep in your cat’s genetic code.
Researchers led by wildlife specialist Yume Okamoto found that variations in a specific gene—the androgen receptor (AR) gene—may influence how vocal or assertive a cat is. The study, based on DNA samples and behavioural surveys from 280 domestic cats, provides new insights into how cat vocalisation genes affect feline communication.
The Genetic Science Behind Cat Meowing
The androgen receptor gene, located on the X chromosome, helps regulate the body’s response to hormones like testosterone. It has a segment where DNA sequences repeat, and the number of these repeats impacts how sensitive the gene is. Fewer repeats lead to greater sensitivity Cat vocalisation genes.
This is not unique to cats. In humans and dogs, shorter AR repeats are linked to traits such as increased extraversion and even aggression. Now, researchers believe this same mechanism may explain why some cats meow more and show heightened social behaviour Cat vocalisation genes.
What the Study Found
Among the 280 spayed and neutered cats studied:
- Cats with the shorter AR variant purred more frequently
- Males with the short gene meowed more often to get food or go outside
- Females with the same variant were more aggressive towards strangers
- Pedigree breeds—typically bred for docility—more often had the longer, quieter variant
This suggests a link between feline genetics and communication behaviour. Cats with shorter AR sequences may be more vocal to better attract human attention—potentially a survival advantage in competitive home environments Cat vocalisation genes.
Wild Genes in Domestic Cats
Curiously, this more vocal, assertive version of the AR gene isn’t exclusive to house cats—it’s also found in wild species like lynx. That challenges the popular belief that domestication consistently selects for calmer or friendlier animals. In fact, the findings point to a complex relationship between domestication, aggression, and vocal behaviour.
“Certain traits that helped cats survive in the wild may still be helpful in domestic environments,” the study noted. For example, cats in resource-scarce or high-stress households may gain an edge if they’re more assertive or expressive with humans.
Cats Aren’t Alone: Lessons From Gulls
The study also draws comparisons to urban gulls, which have grown increasingly bold around people. Research from Liverpool John Moores University shows that urban gulls are more aggressive and less fearful than their rural counterparts. Like vocal cats, they’ve learned that being assertive pays off when competing for limited resources—like food scraps.
In both gulls and cats, proximity to humans doesn’t necessarily equal docility. Instead, it can encourage certain assertive behaviours, suggesting that animals adapt in complex ways to life alongside humans.
What This Means for Cat Owners
If your cat is unusually chatty—or extremely quiet—this new research suggests it might be more than just personality. Cat vocalisation genes and their evolutionary past could be playing a key role.
It also means that behavioural variation among cats is not only expected but necessary for evolution. The wide range of temperaments ensures that cats can adapt to different home environments, whether it’s a quiet country cottage or a busy city flat.
As Okamoto and colleagues suggest, there may never be a “perfect” cat personality. Instead, domestic cats will likely continue to reflect the complex interplay between biology, environment, and human interaction.
More Like This:
- The Complicated Truth About a Cat’s Purr
- Why Do We Think Cats Are Unfriendly?
- Original Study: The Conversation
Image credit: Getty Images – Four ginger cats in a row, one mid-meow
