Behavior Of Cats Research Articles

Improved sandcat swarm optimization algorithm for solving global optimum problems

The sand cat swarm optimization algorithm (SCSO) is a metaheuristic algorithm proposed by Amir Seyyedabbasi et al. SCSO algorithm mimics the predatory behavior of sand cats, which gives the algorithm a strong optimized performance. However, as the number of iterations of the algorithm increases, the moving efficiency of the sand cat decreases, resulting in the decline of search ability. The convergence speed of the algorithm gradually decreases, and it is easy to fall into local optimum, and it is difficult to find a better solution. In order to improve the search and movement efficiency of the sand cat, and enhance the global optimization ability and convergence performance of the algorithm, an improved sand cat Swarm Optimization (ISCSO) algorithm was proposed. In ISCSO algorithm, we propose a low-frequency noise search strategy and a spiral contraction walking strategy according to the habit of sand cat, and add random opposition-based learning and restart strategy. The frequency factor was used to control the search direction of the sand cat, and the spiral contraction hunting was carried out, which effectively improved the randomness of the population, expanded the search range of the algorithm, enhanced the moving efficiency of the sand cat, and accelerated the convergence speed of the algorithm. We use 23 standard benchmark functions and IEEE CEC2014 benchmark functions to compare ISCSO with 10 algorithms, and prove the effectiveness of the improved strategy. Finally, ISCSO was evaluated using five constrained engineering design problems. In the results of these problems, using ISCSO has 3.08%, 0.23%, 0.37%, 22.34%, 1.38% improvement compared with the original algorithm respectively, which proves the effectiveness of the improved strategy in practical application problems. The source code website for ISCSO is https://github.com/Ruiruiz30/ISCSO-s-code.

Cat Caring Behaviors and Ownership Status of Residents Enrolling a Cat in a Free Sterilization Program.

Most cats entering animal shelters in Australia are less than 12 months old and emanate from low socioeconomic areas. Many are unidentified and may be either owned or semi-owned cats (cats cared for by someone who does not consider themselves the owner). In Australia, approximately 33% of cats entering shelters and pounds are euthanized annually, adversely affecting the mental health of staff involved. Our study investigated cat ownership and caregiving behaviors of cats enrolled in the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation's Community Cat Program, which included free sterilization, microchipping, and preventive healthcare. The suburbs targeted in Ipswich, Australia had a high per capita cat intake into animal shelters. We surveyed 1094 cat owners and semi-owners. Most cats were under 12 months old (79%), primarily domestic short-haired (69%), and acquired through informal channels such as friends, family, or as strays. Veterinary care was limited, with only 15% of cats having visited a veterinarian and 28% being vaccinated. Prior to hearing about the free sterilization program, 88.5% of participants identified as owners, while 11.5% were semi-owners. Before completing the survey, these semi-owners transitioned from an informal caregiving relationship to becoming owner of the cat/s. Of the semi-owners, 93% indicated that their transition to ownership was driven by feelings of responsibility, emotional attachment, and access to free sterilization services. These findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as accessible veterinary care and sterilization programs, are crucial in encouraging semi-owners to take full ownership of cats, improving cat welfare, and reducing unplanned breeding. Supporting this transition helps curb overpopulation and fosters improved caregiving, benefiting both cats and communities.

Regional Variations in and Key Predictors of Feline Tumor Malignancy: A Decade-Long Retrospective Study in Korea.

Feline cancer is increasingly recognized as a major cause of mortality, yet data on tumor prevalence and behavior in cats, particularly in non-Western regions, remain limited. This study analyzed a decade of feline tumor data in Korea from 2012 to 2022, focusing on age, breed, and anatomical location as predictors of malignancy. Data were collected from 683 cats, with regression analysis applied to determine significant associations. Older cats exhibited a markedly higher risk of malignancy, particularly in mast cell and mammary tumors. Tumors in the mammary gland and alimentary tract had malignancy rates exceeding 90%, underscoring the need for early detection in these regions. Interestingly, squamous cell carcinoma was rare in the skin, in stark contrast to Western studies, likely reflecting differences in environmental exposure. While breed was not a statistically significant predictor, certain breeds, including Persians and Russian Blues, showed a higher frequency of malignancy. These findings highlight the importance of regional tumor research in cats and the need for larger, multicenter datasets that incorporate environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these influences will help refine veterinary care and improve cancer treatment outcomes in feline populations.

Safe or sound? Factors influencing outdoor access, cat behavior, and hunting history with implications for conservation and welfare

Outdoor access may provide mental stimulation and enrichment for companion cats (Felis catus); however, it also raises concerns regarding their safety and predation of vulnerable local wildlife. Understanding factors that shape cats’ outdoor access and behavioral outcomes is therefore crucial for identifying nuanced solutions to the human-cat-wildlife conflict. In this exploratory study, we aimed to 1) explore owner attitudes towards providing or reducing outdoor access, 2) identify general predictors of free-roaming outdoor access, and 3) identify predictors of hunting behavior among cats that are allowed outside. Using a quantitative questionnaire (n=75 questions), we collected information on cat owners’ demographics and attitudes, their cat’s characteristics and behaviors in the home, home environment, outdoor lifestyle, and hunting history. Of 631 cat owners living near Davis, California, USA, recruited through convenience and snowball sampling, 36.7 % indicated they were keeping their cat indoor-only (n=232), 34.1 % providing supervised or controlled outdoor access (n=215), and 29.2 % providing uncontrolled, or free-roaming outdoor access (n=184). More than half of outdoor cat owners reported they were likely or somewhat likely to reduce outdoor access if they lived near busier streets (59 %, n=235), if more dangerous animals were around (59 %, n=235), if their cat stopped coming home consistently (56 %, n=223), or if they knew their cat was negatively impacting wildlife (53 %, n=211). We found that cats had higher odds of freely roaming if they were 7–10 years old compared to <1 year old (p=0.030), obtained from the street rather than a shelter (p=0.007), living within 500 ft of traffic (p=0.002), living with a dog (p=0.014) or a child (p=0.005), or if they showed aggressive behaviors in the home (p=0.008). Cats had lower odds of freely roaming if they had scratching areas in the home (p=0.017), or were living with one (p=0.020) or two (p=0.017) other cats. Among those allowed outside, cats had higher odds of having hunted prey in the last year if they were allowed to freely roam without supervision (p=0.016), or were allowed outdoors between 6:00–11:59 am (p=0.014). These results generate directions for future research in the field of companion animal management, and emphasize the role of cat owners in the intersection of animal welfare and wildlife conservation.

7503 Light Composition Alters Feline Stress in a Shelter Environment

Abstract Disclosure: A.M. Yaw: None. M.E. Gardella: None. J. Jacobs: None. H.M. Hoffmann: None. Millions of cats enter animal shelters each year. Unfortunately, due to high numbers of cats entering shelters and limited physical housing space, over 50% of healthy and adoptable cats with extended shelter stays are euthanized yearly. While animal shelters are essential for keeping cats safe from unfit living conditions, they are a stressful environment. High stress in cats increases health risks and undesirable behaviors and is associated with reduced adoptions. Given the role of light in regulating hormonal stress responses and behavior, we partnered with a Midwestern animal control and shelter to evaluate how light intensity and light composition impact feline behavior and urinary cortisol levels in 123 domestic cats (Felis catus; 65 male and 58 female). The impact of three lighting conditions, white, dim, and orange (blue-depleted) light, were evaluated for the first 5-6 days following admittance into the shelter. Individually housed adults (8 months-10 years) were outfitted with PetPace Smart Collars to evaluate locomotor activity, and cat stress was evaluated daily through urine samples and a behavioral approach test. All data were analyzed by experimenters who were blind to the groups and tested via one or two-way ANOVA or repeated measures mixed-effects model with Geisser-Greenhouse correction. Urinary cortisol levels were dependent on both light quality and day in shelter, where cats under orange light had reduced cortisol on days 4-5 in the shelter compared to cats in standard lighting. Light quality also altered cat hiding behavior, such that the percentage of cats hiding was increased on dim light compared to both standard and orange light. A novel behavioral approach task found reduced cat stress on days 4-5 in standard and orange light; however, dim light increased cat stress on day 5 in shelter. All cats exhibited circadian rhythms in locomotor activity with periods ranging from 21.33-35.67h independent of light condition and day in shelter, and locomotor activity increased on days 3-4 compared to day 2 in the shelter, with no effect of light condition. There were no sex differences in in hiding, PetPace activity, or cat stress scores under any light condition; however, females displayed increased urinary cortisol levels compared to males in standard, but not dim or orange, light. This shows for the first time that room light manipulation can help shelters enact easy and inexpensive changes that make the adjustment period shorter and less stressful for incoming cats which will improve animal wellbeing. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Behaviors suggestive of pain: the perceptions and veterinary-related decisions of cat guardians in the USA.

The aim of the study was to assess cat guardians' concern levels and veterinary care decisions pertaining to behaviors that might signify pain before and after receiving brief pain-related educational information. The secondary aims were to evaluate cat guardians' perceptions of the usefulness of a modified version of the Colorado State University Feline Acute Pain Scale (CSU-FAPS) in identifying their cat's pain level, determining if they should take their cat to the veterinarian and describing their cat's pain to their veterinarian. Participants were recruited through Prolific. An electronic survey was created in Qualtrics and distributed via a link offered in Prolific. A total of 362 surveys were completed by participants who resided in the USA and were the primary caretaker of at least one cat. Significant differences between participants' concern levels before and after pain-related educational information were found for two of the three scenarios. Significant differences were found between participants' veterinary-related behavior choices before and after pain-related educational information for all three scenarios. The most common reasons for not seeking immediate veterinary care included elements related to cost and stress for guardian and cat during veterinary visits. The majority of participants reported finding the CSU-FAPS useful for identifying their cat's pain level (90%), determining if they should take their cat to the veterinarian (86%) and describing their cat's pain to their veterinarian (92%). Guardians' interpretations of and subsequent actions to behaviors that might suggest pain carry great implications for feline health and wellbeing. After exposure to brief pain-related educational material, guardians in our study reported significant increases in stated concern related to their cat's change in behavior and intention to seek veterinary care. These findings suggest that even very brief pain-related educational material can have a positive impact on cat guardians' perceptions of feline behavior changes and increase the possibility they obtain appropriate veterinary care.

276 Use of triaxial accelerometers and a machine learning algorithm for behavioral identification to assess the effectiveness of a joint supplement in old domestic cats (Felis catus)

Abstract Degenerative joint disease (DJD) has a 90% prevalence in older cats and adversely affects quality of life1. Long-term administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is usually required but can have adverse effects2. Nutraceuticals have been shown to relieve joint pain in cats without such side effects; however, due to differences in dose rates and formulations there is no consensus as to their efficacy. Most studies have utilized subjective insensitive measures such as veterinary or owner-assessed changes in activity. Accelerometers can provide objective data on cat activity and can identify specific behaviors3.Triaxial accelerometers (ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL) were fitted to the collars of 16 cats (aged 11 to 16 yr; Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ) for 20 wk to assess their activity and behavior. The cats were fed the same diet (Chef: Kraft Heinz Wattie’s Ltd., Hastings, NZ) for 4 wk to collect baseline acceleration data, before being divided into two groups balanced for physical activity. After 4 wk, a blood sample were taken from all of the cats to establish their baseline levels of a range of inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, TNFα, INF- γ, SDF-1). The test group (n = 8) then received a joint supplement added to the baseline diet while the control group (n = 8) were fed the diet unsupplemented for 16 wk. The commercial joint supplement contained glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and green-lipped mussel (Tandem, Wellington, NZ), at daily doses shown previously to be effective in cats4,5,6. The aim of the work was to assess the efficacy of the joint supplement in maintaining or promoting activity and specific behaviors in the cats. At the end of the period of supplementation a second blood sample was taken and assessed for the same range of inflammatory markers. Overall physical activity was not different between groups at baseline but was greater over the study in the test group compared with the control (P &amp;lt; 0.03). Grooming, as identified by the algorithm, showed a tendency (P = 0.051) to be greater in the test group than the control. These results suggest that the supplement had a positive effect on both overall activity and more specifically on grooming behavior in old cats. However, no differences in the range of inflammatory markers were seen before or after supplementation. While the behavioral measures could indicate the supplement reduced the effects of DJD, further research is required to confirm this.1Cunningham et al (2022) Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 24, 962-974. 2Lemetayer and Taylor (2014) Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 16, 547-562; 3Smit et al., (2023) Sensors 23, 7165; 4Corbee (2022) Veterinary Medicine and Science 8, 1025–1035; 5Corbee et al. (2013) Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 97, 846–853; 6Lascelles et al. (2010) Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 24, 487–495.

Effects of Socialization on Problem Solving in Domestic Cats.

Domestic cats are capable of leading both solitary and social lives and socializing to humans. This type of socialization may also enhance an animal's problem-solving ability. We examined the relationship between socialization and problem-solving ability, problem-solving speed, and latency to approach a novel apparatus in domestic cats. Socialization towards humans was measured with the Feline Behavior Assessment based on the ASPCA's Feline Spectrum Assessment. This modified measure requires assessors to observe an individual cat's behavior during three steps: observation test, door test, and the stroke and push test. During each test, the assessor examined specific behaviors that are indicative of socialization. Problem solving was assessed with a food-acquisition puzzle box that required the subject to pull on a tab to release a food reward. Twenty-four out of eighty-six cats solved the problem-solving task. More socialized cats were more likely to solve the problem, solve it faster, and approach the apparatus sooner. We also found a significant relationship between age and problem solving; younger adult cats were more likely to solve the problem than older adults. These results provide evidence that domestic cats are not only capable of solving this type of problem but also that their socialization towards humans influences their abilities.

Оценка эффективности нового лекарственного препарата Курс Успокоин таблетки для коррекции возрастных когнитивных нарушений у кошек

The treatment by Kurs Uspokoin tablets in a minimum initial daily dose of 7 mg/kg for the first three days, with a further increase to 14 mg/kg, showed a positive effect in correcting the behavior of older cats with progressive simptoms of cognitive disfunction. During the treatment were registered a statistically and clinically significant decrease in idiopathic vocalization, restoration of sleep cycles and wakefulness, elimination of house-soiling behavior, disorientation, increased activity, and improvement of social behavior. During the treatment by Kurs Uspokoin tablets and after its discontinuation no adverse reactions were registered.

A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Cat–Human Relationships in the United States and Japan

ABSTRACT Across the world, more and more cats are being kept in captive spaces such as homes, animal shelters, and cat cafés. There is a growing need to understand whether cross-cultural differences influence human–animal interactions in these human-controlled environments. Cats are one of the world’s most popular companion animals, and both the US and Japan have high rates of cat ownership. However, cultural differences may account for differences in how people feel about cats and how humans and cats behave toward one another. The research aim was to examine whether differences exist between the US and Japan across multiple facets of the human–cat relationship. Study 1 examined each country’s attitude toward pet cats. Results indicate US citizens have significantly more positive attitudes toward pet cats than Japanese citizens. Study 2 examined owner attachment to their cat and pet cat social behavior. Results indicate owners in both countries were highly attached to their cats. In the US, but not Japan, owner attachment level predicted pet cat sociability toward the owner. Study 3 examined cat social behavior in cat cafés. The results of studies 2 and 3 indicate that pet cats and café cats in the US spend a greater proportion of time in proximity to people compared with pet and café cats in Japan. In all, differences and similarities were seen between the US and Japan. In humans, differences in childhood cat experiences and lower rates of cat ownership may impact attitudes toward cats. In pet cats, owner characteristics, the size of the cat’s environment, cat care practices, and attitudes toward cats may impact cat social behavior. Future exploration in this area can benefit our understanding of cross-cultural human–animal interactions and how to apply these findings to improve captive-cat welfare.

Comparative Analysis of Image Classification Methods on Cat Breeds and Behavior using Machine Learning Techniques

This research investigates image classification techniques applied to two distinct datasets related to cats. The primary focus is on addressing the problem of accurately classifying cat breeds and cat behavior. This research focuses on the comparative analysis of both deep learning and machine learning techniques. The techniques are categorized as use of Transfer learning on deep learning models, Transfer learning on machine learning algorithms, and Teachable machine pre-trained model. Transfer learning has gained popularity as one of the employed techniques, in inception V3 for classifying images. It requires re-utilizing an existing model, for a new model by applying a small-scale dataset to pace up training and enhance overall performance. Five different methodologies are explored: Convolutional Neural Networks using Google Inception-V3 model, Convolutional Neural Networks on top of Google Inception-V3 model with K-fold cross-validation, Random Forest on Inception V3 features, Support Vector Machine on Inception V3 features, and Teachable Machine model. The study aims to compare the performance of these methodologies in terms of accuracy, F1 score, and ROC-AUC score. The research results show that each approach has levels of effectiveness with various algorithms and models showing accuracy and F1 scores in classifying both cat breeds and behaviors. These findings offer information, on image classification, in datasets related to cats helping to improve the precision of identifying cat breeds and behaviors.

An incredible journey from veterinary nursing to human-animal bond researcher.

Sandra McCune volunteered at her local animal shelter aged 13 and, fascinated by dog and cat behaviour, she went on to become an RVN and then a leading researcher in the field of human-animal interactions.

Evaluating undesired scratching in domestic cats: a multifactorial approach to understand risk factors.

Despite being a natural feline behavior, scratching can become undesirable from a human perspective when directed at household items. This complex behavior can stem from various motivations, ranging from individual cat characteristics to environmental factors. This study investigates the factors influencing the increased level of undesirable scratching behavior in domestic cats, considering both cat-related and environmental aspects. Data from 1,211 cats were collected for this study. An online questionnaire comprising three sections was utilized. The first section gathered caregiver demographics, while the subsequent section examined aspects of cats' daily routines, social interactions, environments, behaviours, and temperaments. The final section assessed the frequency and intensity of undesirable scratching behavior in cats. Scratching behavior was evaluated based on a combined scratching index. The study suggests that the presence of a child may be associated with scratching episodes in the home environment. Additionally, factors such as play duration, playfulness, and nocturnal activity were identified as significant contributors to heightened scratching levels (p ≤ 0.05). Aggressiveness and disruptiveness also played significant roles in increased scratching behavior (p ≤ 0.05). The location of scratching posts emerged as a significant factor, with posts placed in areas frequented by the cat being more effective in redirecting scratching behavior (p ≤ 0.05). This study reveals several significant associations between cat characteristics, nocturnal activity and play, as well as the environment. It underscores the multifaceted nature of undesirable scratching behavior and emphasizes the importance of comprehensively understanding both the individual characteristics of the cat and its environment to effectively address this behavior.

2024 AAFP intercat tension guidelines: recognition, prevention and management.

Social tension or conflict between household cats is common but, because it often manifests as subtle behavioral changes, it can go unnoticed; it is precisely because most signs are subtle and unrecognized that the term 'tension' is used. Where associated tension-related chronic fear-anxiety leads to more overt behavioral concerns and stress-associated disease, cats may face relinquishment by caregivers or even euthanasia if the tension is not relieved. The '2024 AAFP intercat tension guidelines: recognition, prevention and management' have been authored by a Task Force of board-certified veterinary and applied behaviorists and clinical experts in feline medicine and behavior convened by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. The aim is to support veterinary professionals in understanding social behavior between cats and, more specifically, in recognizing intercat tension, preventing or minimizing its occurrence and managing the stressors. In developing the Guidelines, the Task Force has modified the five pillars of a healthy feline environment to provide a framework to assist the prevention or management of intercat tension in households with two or more cats. Because feline social behavior is often misunderstood, the Guidelines debunk 10 common myths that have the potential to negatively impact the wellbeing of companion cats. Extensively illustrated with visual examples of intercat tension and an Appendix detailing a number of case studies, the Guidelines also include a comprehensive table of psychotherapeutic medications, and a detailed algorithm that outlines a systematic approach to preventing, recognizing and resolving intercat tension. A step-by-step approach to introducing a new cat into a household with one or more resident cats is included to further support veterinarians, and a range of management tools to promote client education accompany the Guidelines.

A conciliatory and persuasive social campaign changes owner behavior to reduce cats' hunting

AbstractSolutions to the cats‐hunting‐wildlife environmental conflict could benefit from social science approaches. Our Theory of Planned Behavior questionnaire—informed by an elicitation survey of cat owners at veterinary clinics about their attitudes, norms, and beliefs regarding bringing their cats inside at night—surveyed 158 cat owners across 20 veterinarian clinics in four cities. It revealed that wildlife conservation was not influential on cat owner intention but veterinarians, cat safety, peers, and household members were. Thus, we designed a social marketing campaign with two treatments: (1) a veterinarian/cat safety message or (2) social/family norm message. Thirty‐four veterinary clinics received one of the two campaign posters or served as the control group. Customers (n = 510) received a “cat welfare” survey and then a pamphlet with the advocated message, and a follow‐up survey by email or telephone 3–6 weeks later (69% response rate). Campaign messaging significantly increased the number of cat owners who reported bringing their cats inside at night compared to the control group. The social/family norm message was most effective. Although rudimentary, the campaign generated measurable changes in cat owner intention and behavior. Conservation campaigns informed by co‐benefits for cat owners may reduce cats' hunting and be conciliatory ways of transcending environmental conflict.

Оценка эффективности нового лекарственного препарата Курс Успокоин таблетки для коррекции возрастных когнитивных нарушений у кошек

The treatment by Kurs Uspokoin tablets in a minimum initial daily dose of 7 mg/kg for the first three days, with a further increase to 14 mg/kg, showed a positive effect in correcting the behavior of older cats with progressive simptoms of cognitive disfunction. During the treatment were registered a statistically and clinically significant decrease in idiopathic vocalization, restoration of sleep cycles and wakefulness, elimination of house-soiling behavior, disorientation, increased activity, and improvement of social behavior. During the treatment by Kurs Uspokoin tablets and after its discontinuation no adverse reactions were registered.

Comparison of Frequency and Stay Time between Normal and Abnormal Elimination Behavior of Cats Using a Litter Box with Automatic Sensor

Comparison of Frequency and Stay Time between Normal and Abnormal Elimination Behavior of Cats Using a Litter Box with Automatic Sensor

How Lazy Are Pet Cats Really? Using Machine Learning and Accelerometry to Get a Glimpse into the Behaviour of Privately Owned Cats in Different Households.

Surprisingly little is known about how the home environment influences the behaviour of pet cats. This study aimed to determine how factors in the home environment (e.g., with or without outdoor access, urban vs. rural, presence of a child) and the season influences the daily behaviour of cats. Using accelerometer data and a validated machine learning model, behaviours including being active, eating, grooming, littering, lying, scratching, sitting, and standing were quantified for 28 pet cats. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine the effects of different environmental conditions. Increasing cat age was negatively correlated with time spent active (p < 0.05). Cats with outdoor access (n = 18) were less active in winter than in summer (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed between seasons for indoor-only (n = 10) cats. Cats living in rural areas (n = 7) spent more time eating than cats in urban areas (n = 21; p < 0.05). Cats living in single-cat households (n = 12) spent more time lying but less time sitting than cats living in multi-cat households (n = 16; p < 0.05). Cats in households with at least one child (n = 20) spent more time standing in winter (p < 0.05), and more time lying but less time sitting in summer compared to cats in households with no children (n = 8; p < 0.05). This study clearly shows that the home environment has a major impact on cat behaviour.

Exogenous oxytocin increases gaze to humans in male cats

Although oxytocin (OT) plays a role in bonding between heterospecifics and conspecifics, the effects of OT on the formation of such interspecific social behavior have only been investigated between humans and dogs (Canis familiaris). In this study, for comparative evaluation of the effects of OT between dog–human and cat–human social interaction, we investigated the effects of exogenous OT on the behavior of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) toward humans. We intranasally administered OT or saline to 30 cats using a nebulizer and recorded their behavior (gaze, touch, vocalization, and proximity). The results showed an interaction between the administration condition and sex for gaze duration. Post hoc analyses revealed a significant increase in gaze in the OT condition in male cats but not in females. There were no significant differences in gaze toward owners and strangers in any condition or sex. The male-specific OT-mediated increase in gaze toward humans observed in this study differs from previous research on dogs wherein such effects were observed only in females. These findings suggest an overall effect of exogenous OT on cats’ social relationship with humans as well as the possibility of different mechanisms between cat–human and dog–human relationships.

Comparing cranial biomechanics between Barbourofelis fricki and Smilodon fatalis: Is there a universal killing-bite among saber-toothed predators?

Saber-tooths, extinct apex predators with long and blade-like upper canines, have appeared iteratively at least five times in the evolutionary history of vertebrates. Although saber-tooths exhibit a relatively diverse range of morphologies, it is widely accepted that all killed their prey using the same predatory behavior. In this study, we CT-scanned the skull of Barbourofelis fricki and compared its cranial mechanics using finite element analysis (FEA) with that of Smilodon fatalis. Our aim was to investigate potential variations in killing behavior between two dirk-toothed sabretooths from the Miocene and Pleistocene of North America. The study revealed that B. fricki had a stoutly-built skull capable of withstanding stress in various prey-killing scenarios, while the skull of S. fatalis appeared less optimized for supporting stress, which highlights the highly derived saber-tooth morphology of the former. The results may indicate that B. fricki was more of a generalist in prey-killing compared to S. fatalis, which experiences lower stresses under stabbing loads. We hypothesize that morphological specialization in saber-tooths does not necessarily indicate ecological specialization. Our results support the notion that morphological convergence among saber-toothed cats may obscure differences in hunting strategies employed to dispatch their prey. Our findings challenge the assumption of the universally assumed canine-shear biting as the prey-killing behavior of all saber-toothed cats. However, further research involving a wider range of dirk and scimitar-toothed forms could provide additional insights into the diversity of cranial biomechanics within this fascinating group of extinct mammalian predators.