The common, domestic cat is also a solitary hunter. Typically,domestic cats stalk their prey in a manner that is stereotypical of most domestic cats. Astudy by Hutchinson and Renfrew (1966) looked at physiological factors that affected thestalking attack in domestic cats. In that study, cats were placed in a testing area alongwith a mouse. In each trial, different areas of the hypothalamus were stimulated. The catsmoved about the test space quickly and quietly with their backs arched while they sniffedat the floor. Upon approaching the rat, the cat lunges and takes its prey by the back ofthe neck and holds it to the floor with one paw. This study found that stalking behavior ofthis manner could be elicited by stimulating the lateral areas of the hypothalamus. Thisarea of the brain plays a role in controlling when an organism is hungry or thirsty. Sincestalking behavior can be elicited by stimulating a certain area of the brain, it is reasonableto assume that this behavior is a hard-wired, genetically determined behavior. However,some parts of this behavior may also be learned. Hutchinson and Renfrew do not addressthe learning component of the behavior.Another type of behavior that is observed in cats is the tendency to shake theirheads back and forth while eating. This behavior has no real use when the cat is eating ameal, such as commercially produced cat food. However, if the cat were attempting tokill a smaller animal for food, the behavior has a definite purpose. When killing prey, catstypically grab the animal at the back of the skull, at its base, and shake it back in forth. This action helps kill the cats prey more quickly. The fact that this behavior is observedin many different species of cats suggests that it may be genetically determined andtherefore passed on as the species evolved. It is also reasonable to assume that asdomestic cats become more dependent on humans to provide them with food, and lessdepende...
