Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1980

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Abstract

An analysis of the variables influencing the ontogeny of predatory attack in the cat was undertaken. Three stages of development were delineated. In Stage I, no interest was shown in the mouse. In Stage II, pursuit, swiping, and bite attempts occured sporadically, but an integrated pattern of attack was not observed. In Stage III, attack was more persistent but remained inefficient, and included both components of approach (visual tracking, approach of the whole body, seizing with the forepaw, and biting) and withdrawal (retraction of head and upper torso, swiping). The latter appeared to produce a "playful" style of attack and to inhibit killing. The role of hunger and movement of the mouse were also evaluated. Latencies to bite were faster when the kitten was food deprived or when given a dead mouse. The latter finding suggests that inefficient "playful" attack is elicited by specific stimulus properties of the prey, rather than being a reflection of a playful "mood."

Extent

58 p.

Comments

FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1980.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Identifier

FADT13999

Format

pdf

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