Scientists working at the University of Vienna and the National Museum of Scotland conducted a research on cats with whom we have been living together for a long time. As a result of the research, it was revealed that the brains of cats shrank after they were domesticated by humans. Actually, this finding was not so surprising.
Scientists have carried out similar studies in the past years, trying to understand how the brains of animals changed after domestication. In this context, it was found that the brains of dogs, rabbits and sheep shrank after domestication. With the new study, it has been understood that the brains of cats that started to be domesticated 10 thousand years ago also experienced shrinkage.
Why do domesticated animals’ brains shrink?
The scientists measured the cats’ brains by moving them through their skulls. Comparing the measurements made on different types of cats with wild African cats, known as the ancestors of the modern cat, scientists have proven that the brains of cats are smaller. So why is this happening? Why do animals’ brains shrink as a result of domestication?
According to previous research, the main reason why animals’ brains shrink is due to the reduction of threats by domestication. As might be expected, pets that are kept indoors face fewer threats than those who live outside. This blunts the relevant region in the brains of animals. However, there is another point to be discussed here. According to experts, cats that stay away from threats should also have a reduction in their noses, but the measurements did not show a significant difference in nose sizes.
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