Researchers at Kyoto University are investigating the genetic background of purring and the androgen receptor gene. Though the exact function of purring remains unclear, previous studies have indicated that it is beneficial for feline communication and survival.
The team focused on 280 cats, all of which were spayed or neutered mixed breeds kept in their owners’ homes. They also collected DNA samples and analyzed the androgen receptor gene, comparing this to that of other Felidae species.
Cats with the short-type androgen receptor gene displayed higher owner-assessed purring scores than those with the long-type gene. Additionally, short-type males exhibited higher vocalization toward humans, indicating the gene’s connection to vocal communication. Female cats with the short-type gene displayed higher stranger-directed aggression.
These results may also reveal a decrease in the importance of vocal communication for cats raised by humans, which are typically purebred cats. Previous studies indicate that purebred cats are more likely to carry the long-type gene than mixed-breed cats. Many mixed breed cats in this study were rescued, which may imply that rescues tend to meow more.
Okamoto, Y., et al. Association between androgen receptor gene and behavioral traits in cats (Felis catus). PLOS One, 2025; 20 (5): e0324055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324055. Science Daily.
