Are These Cats Playing? A Closer Look at Social Play in Cats and Proposal for a Psychobiological Approach and Standard Terminology

Play in domestic cats has been largely studied using a contextual approach, i.e., with focus on what the cat is playing with, such as an object, itself or another cat. Such classification may be superficially attractive scientifically but it limits ability to investigate function. We propose consideration of psychobiological which increases attention hypotheses about motivational and emotional state actors, more valuable. This particularly important case intercat exchanges that might involve play, for example when one chase does not want chased, general interaction should considered playful. Key improving scientific study interactions need adopt common terminology, thus we synthesise ethogram from published literature. Secondly at heart approach both affective goal each actor interaction, since they congruent, recognition hypothetical nature any functional classification. However, this bottom up provides valuable insights can tested. argue treats object prey, activity relates former seeking learn its own skills relation manipulating physical environment (prey are part complex social relationships individual). between reciprocal function facilitate learning best described mutual play. It needs recognised dynamic our situation flexible. So play turn into form non-reciprocal interaction. conclude by outlining priorities future research help us improve answer question “Are these playing?” wider range contexts.