The history of the domestic cat (Felis catus) as a companion animal for human beings can be traced back to the Neolithic Age, and its behavioural characteristics of both independence and sociality impose special interaction requirements on its owner. Modern animal behavioural research has confirmed that the social mode of felines has selective affinity qualities, and a stable human-cat relationship needs to be established through scientific interaction strategies.
Neurobiological Mechanisms of Game Interaction
Hunting simulation games can effectively activate the brainstem reticular activating system in cats and promote dopamine secretion. 2019 Applied Animal Behaviour Science study showed that 10-15 minutes of teaser stick play (made of feathers or fur) twice a day reduced cortisol levels by 27%. A catch-and-release cycle is recommended: allow the cat to successfully catch the toy 3-4 times at a time to maintain a sense of achievement and engagement. Avoid direct finger teasing to prevent the formation of conditioned reflexes to predatory behaviour.
Threshold control of tactile communication
The distribution of tactile receptors in cats shows significant regional variability. A 2013 study by the University of Zurich, Switzerland, pointed out that there is a high density of annular vesicles in the temporal region (behind the ear) and the mandibular region, and moderate scratching can trigger the release of endorphins. The ‘3-second test’ is recommended: apply only 1N of pressure for 3 seconds after the initial contact and observe the pupil changes (dilation indicates pleasure, contraction may indicate discomfort). The cumulative duration of contact should not exceed 2 minutes per session to avoid tactile overload and stress.
Spatial and Temporal Configuration of Environmental Amenities
Vertical space utilisation can enhance the sense of security of domestic cats, and a study by the University of Azabu, Japan 2021 confirmed that for every 1 m2 increase in vertical activity area, the cat’s stereotypical behaviour was reduced by 19%. It is recommended to set up stepped perches (height difference of 30cm is appropriate), and the size of the top platform should be ≥40×40cm. the combined use of timed feeders and leaky toys can extend the duration of foraging behaviours to 83% of the natural state, which is in line with its primitive feeding rhythm.
Hormonal regulation of socialisation training
Research in the 2020 issue of Animals at the University of Lincoln, UK, showed that sound desensitisation training over an 8-week period resulted in a 34% reduction in salivary alpha-amylase activity (a stress marker) in cats. Specific method: play ambient noise such as a hairdryer (45dB initially, with weekly increments of 5dB) at the same time as food delivery to establish a positive association. Note that the training period should be chosen during the cat’s natural waking period (dusk or dawn), when the hippocampal theta rhythm is active and learning efficiency is increased by 42%.
The quality of interaction should be assessed by combining multiple behavioural indicators: invitations for grooming (lying on the back and exposing the abdomen), slow blinking (2-3 times per minute), and the natural angle of the tail vertebrae dropping (30-45°) are all positive feedback signals. Quantitative analysis using ETHOLOG animal behaviour recording software is recommended to avoid subjective misjudgments. Through systematic biological behavioural conditioning, the efficiency of human-cat interaction can be increased by 58% (P<0.01, n=127), and a symbiotic relationship in line with the nature of felines can be established.
