Changes in Cat Facial Morphology Are Related to Interaction with Humans

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Cats (Felis silvestris catus) live with humans as domesticated animals. However, it is not clear how they have evolved from African wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) through domestication. In this study, we compared the facial morphology of cats and wildcats to determine how the facial morphology of cats has changed in relation to their interactions with humans. Cats kept by humans had a smaller nose length and a lower eye angle compared with wildcats and feral cats, and these changes were found to influence cuteness ratings. The facial morphology of feral cats not living with humans was not significantly different from that of wildcats, suggesting that this change is due to the process of feralization. ABSTRACT: We aimed to clarify the changes in facial morphology of cats in relation to their interactions with humans. In Study 1, we compared the facial morphology of cats (feral mixed breed, owned domestic mixed breed, and owned domestic purebreds) with that of African wildcats. After collecting 3295 photos, we found that owned domestic cats’ noses were significantly shorter than those of African wildcats and feral mixed breed, and there were no significant differences between the latter two. The eye angles were significantly more gradual in owned domestic purebreds than in the other groups. In Study 2, we examined the correlation between facial morphology and years with the owner, and found that the former is not affected by the latter. This suggests that changes in facial morphology are possibly transgenerational changes. The difference in facial morphology between wildcats and owned cats might be caused by domestication, and that between feral cats and owned cats might be due to feralization. In Study 3, we investigated whether cats’ facial features affect cuteness ratings. We asked human participants to evaluate the cuteness of cats’ face images and found that faces with shorter nose lengths were considered cuter. This suggests that owned domestic cats’ facial morphology is preferred by humans.