Social Learning in Cats
Date of Award
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Harley, Heidi
Keywords
Social Learning, Observational Learning, Cats, Imitation, Puzzlebox, Stimulus Enhancement
Area of Concentration
Psychology
Abstract
Social learning occurs in many species, however, research on social learning in cats is scant and outdated. This study explored social learning in the domestic cat (Felis catus). A demonstrator cat learned to retrieve food from the side of a puzzlebox. An experimental group of observer cats watched the demonstrator retrieve food, and a control group of observer cats only watched the researcher drop treats into the box. Both groups of cats were then freed to explore the area including the puzzlebox. Cats in the experimental group paid more attention during the observation phase, interacted more with the box and retrieved more treats during the testing phase than cats in the control group. These data suggest that cats can learn about stimuli and/or location through observation of conspecifics.
Recommended Citation
Brockmeier, Emily, "Social Learning in Cats" (2009). Theses & ETDs. 4065.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4065
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.