Contagious Yawning in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus)

Author

Ariel M. Lombardo Aghishian, CUNY Hunter CollegeFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-2-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Joshua Plotnik

Second Advisor

Diana Reiss

Academic Program Adviser

Diana Reiss

Abstract

This study investigates contagious yawning in domestic cats towards their owners, looking at potential links with empathy. Results showed no significant difference in yawning between conditions. The solitary nature of wildcats and their shared ancestor, and the unique social behavior in domesticated cats may explain these findings.

Recommended Citation

Lombardo Aghishian, Ariel M., "Contagious Yawning in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus)" (2019). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/hc_sas_etds/436