Cats 'exploit' humans by purring

[edesignuk]

Cat owners may have suspected as much, but it seems our feline friends have found a way to manipulate us humans.

Researchers at the University of Sussex have discovered that cats use a "soliciting purr" to overpower their owners and garner attention and food.

Unlike regular purring, this sound incorporates a "cry", with a similar frequency to a human baby's.

The team said cats have "tapped into" a human bias - producing a sound that humans find very difficult to ignore.

BBC.

Cheeky little buggers! I love 'em though

 

[anjinha]

My cat does better: he meows, purrs and yawns at the same time. It's freakin' adorable!

 

[Krafty]

Really? Out of all the things, thats the best they can research?

 

[sushi]

I'm sorry, but the story is bunk.

People don't own cats. Rather cats own their people.

 

[.Andy]

Really? Out of all the things, thats the best they can research?

Knowledge appears flippant to all who can't see an application.

 

[killerrobot]

Funny how animals have a tendency to use us. I thought we were the more intelligent species.

I watched this today and this article reminded me of it

http://www.hulu.com/watch/82347/the-cleveland-show-cleveland-extended-trailer

Click forward to 3:03.

EDIT: For those who can't watch it on Hulu, try http://www.fox.com/cleveland/
click watch trailer preview, then skip again to 3:03

 

[arkitect]

Humm. I wish they had paid me — I would have given them years' worth of research.

I know that "soliciting purr" too well. Especially around 5 in the morning (summer time) if the bedroom door isn't locked "properly".

 

[Krafty]

Knowledge appears flippant to all who can't see an application.

And if my anus had wheels, I'd be a mean wagon.

 

[andalusia]

This explains much...

 

[conch575]

Cats are scary. Especially when you're just about to fall asleep, then you hear one make a "reow" cat noise.

 

[toolbox]

Cats are scary. Especially when you're just about to fall asleep, then you hear one make a "reow" cat noise.

Yep my cat used to do that when i lived back home at my parents OR they jump on your bed and land on you

 

[pb1300]

My cats do that all the time. The little one, which weighs about 2 pounds, eats as much as she weighs, per day. As soon as I go in the house, she will come in and start purring and crying for food.

OT: Why do cats stick their butts up in the air when you scratch them there?

 

[conch575]

Yep my cat used to do that when i lived back home at my parents OR they jump on your bed and land on you

That is exactly why I am not a pet person. They scare me!

 

[iBlue]

OT: Why do cats stick their butts up in the air when you scratch them there?

Have you not ever been touched in such a way that it makes you squirm? I imagine that's what it is, kind of like being tickled but not as menacing. At least this is what I make of it. My cat translator is still in the works.

Puuuurrrrrrrrrrr

 

[BoyBach]

I'm sorry, but the story is bunk.

People don't own cats. Rather cats own their people.

Exactly! Dogs have owners. Cats have slaves.

 

[Abstract]

It's funny, because cats also 'meow' towards humans. Cats don't make that noise towards any other animal.

 

[Vogue Harper]

I listened to that and have to say that for something that had to be 'researched' by a bunch of academics it all strikes me as being slightly obvious. High pitched, urgent meow, cat wants something? Their research has nothing on lolcats as a work on feline behaviour

 

[anjinha]

*hugs cat*

 

[iGary]

I loves me some kittehs.

 

[iShater]

Before breakfast my cat purrs like crazy. He has been very close and attentive.

After breakfast, he gives the "do I know you?" look.

It was an interesting article when I read it, and I wanted to listen closer to his purr. However, I was running kinda late this morning and just gave him chow before he even got close to me.

 

[sushi]

Dogs have owners. Cats have slaves.

Ah, much better stated.

After breakfast, he gives the "do I know you?" look.

Snort. That look is golden especially when given from above as they bask on a piece of tall furniture.

 

[iShater]

Snort. That look is golden especially when given from above as they bask on a piece of tall furniture.

I had a cat once that never gave the look and gave those nose taps on demand. She was the bestest cat evaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

 

[Unspoken Demise]

Manipulative little s***!
Whatever. He's cute. Its not like I need to be manipulated to give him luvz.

 

[mscriv]

It's truly hard to beat a purring cat in terms of persuasiveness and affection. It just gets ya right there, deep down.

 

[Melrose]

I've got a kitten on my lap right now and she's purring, also nipping at my fingers. She really is Teh Cuteness.

I would imagine cats are pretty conniving.