Comportamento vocal de gatos domésticos frente a um ambiente novo e a separação do humano cuidador

Abstract

The domestic cat (Felis catus) is more vocal than its wild ancestors, and many of its vocalizations occur during interactions with humans. Studying vocal behavior provides valuable insights into an individual's emotional state, needs, and social interactions. This study aimed to describe the vocal expression of domestic cats in the presence and absence of their guardian within the context of the Secure Base Test. Vocalizations from 37 cats were analyzed across three test phases: Phase 1 (P1; 2 minutes with the guardian in the room), Phase 2 (P2; 2 minutes without the guardian), and Phase 3 (P3; 2 minutes with the guardian's return). Vocalizations were recorded using a collar-mounted microphone and analyzed for acoustic parameters. A total of 790 vocalizations were recorded, with 254 (32%) in P1, 382 (48%) in P2, and 154 (20%) in P3. Among the 37 cats, 24% did not vocalize in any phase, 19% vocalized in one phase, 19% in two phases, and 38% vocalized in all three phases. Of the acoustic parameters analyzed, only the duration was significantly longer in P2, and the interval between calls was significantly shorter in this phase, suggesting that P2 was the most stressful condition. Considerable individual variation in vocal behavior was observed among cats. Acoustic analysis of vocalizations proved to be a valuable tool as a general indicator of stress in animals.