Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
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."
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."
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