Genetic influence on behavior

momofmany

momofmany

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I'd like to hear your thoughts about genetic influences on behavior. I have a unigue situation where I have a large household of cats (13) that for the most part came out of a single feral colony. I can trace the lineage on most of them and know that at least 9 are related and suspect that 1 more is related based on behavior traits. 2 more came from a different colony and 1 more just appeared out of nowhere. I also keep tabs on the cats that I've adopted to others from that colony (littermates of cats that live with me). Not only do I witness similar behaviors from the cats that are related, but also witness a level of segregation between those that are related and those that are not related. Most of these cats have been socialized and live indoors. 3 of the cats were orphaned young and had very limited interaction within the colony itself (so it is not environmental influence of the colony).

This is really a general question of nature versus nurture effect on behavior. I understand it is very open ended and if this is too difficult to answer, would appreciate a reference to books or links to articles. I'm willing to read on my own.

Thank you!
 
catpsych

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Oh yes more of my favorite folks, ones that take in ferals!
You guys are the best! As far as my personal opinion....here goes....I think in most situations behavior is formed by 50% environment and 50% genetic. However, I know you can take a human crack baby and turn it into Harvard graduate if they are raised in the right environment. In situations where the environment is enriched I think behavior is formed on 70-80% environment and 30-20% genetics and where the animal is left totally to itself with no enriched environment I think genetics plays a much stronger roll, as much as 80% genetics. But that's just my opinion, there is lots of research out there on this and it's everchanging, I'm not sure if we will ever know for sure how exactly it all works
. Well, I hope I somewhat answered your question. Take care!
Kerry


Originally Posted by Momofmany

I'd like to hear your thoughts about genetic influences on behavior. I have a unigue situation where I have a large household of cats (13) that for the most part came out of a single feral colony. I can trace the lineage on most of them and know that at least 9 are related and suspect that 1 more is related based on behavior traits. 2 more came from a different colony and 1 more just appeared out of nowhere. I also keep tabs on the cats that I've adopted to others from that colony (littermates of cats that live with me). Not only do I witness similar behaviors from the cats that are related, but also witness a level of segregation between those that are related and those that are not related. Most of these cats have been socialized and live indoors. 3 of the cats were orphaned young and had very limited interaction within the colony itself (so it is not environmental influence of the colony).

This is really a general question of nature versus nurture effect on behavior. I understand it is very open ended and if this is too difficult to answer, would appreciate a reference to books or links to articles. I'm willing to read on my own.

Thank you!
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clixpix

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Originally Posted by Momofmany

I'd like to hear your thoughts about genetic influences on behavior. I have a unigue situation where I have a large household of cats (13) that for the most part came out of a single feral colony. I can trace the lineage on most of them and know that at least 9 are related and suspect that 1 more is related based on behavior traits. 2 more came from a different colony and 1 more just appeared out of nowhere. I also keep tabs on the cats that I've adopted to others from that colony (littermates of cats that live with me). Not only do I witness similar behaviors from the cats that are related, but also witness a level of segregation between those that are related and those that are not related. Most of these cats have been socialized and live indoors. 3 of the cats were orphaned young and had very limited interaction within the colony itself (so it is not environmental influence of the colony).

This is really a general question of nature versus nurture effect on behavior. I understand it is very open ended and if this is too difficult to answer, would appreciate a reference to books or links to articles. I'm willing to read on my own.

Thank you!
Click to expand...
I've wondered that. There's a nearby neighborhood where a couple of us have trapped and socialized several cats/kittens...one summer over twenty! Almost without exception, this colony has proven to have a very stable personality, and although it takes time, socializes really well. Almost all of them are exceptionally gentle. They were ferals, no doubt (as evidenced by their gymnastics in my bathroom when let out for the first time
), but once socialized, demonstrated no behavioral problems whatsoever. Now, I had a litter that was unrelated to this colony, and sheesh they were tough. Although they did get adopted, they weren't nearly as sweet and good-natured as the ones that were probably related...they were just "hard-edged" if you know what I mean.

My JinJin is from the "related group".
 
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momofmany

momofmany

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Originally Posted by clixpix

I've wondered that. There's a nearby neighborhood where a couple of us have trapped and socialized several cats/kittens...one summer over twenty! Almost without exception, this colony has proven to have a very stable personality, and although it takes time, socializes really well. Almost all of them are exceptionally gentle. They were ferals, no doubt (as evidenced by their gymnastics in my bathroom when let out for the first time
), but once socialized, demonstrated no behavioral problems whatsoever. Now, I had a litter that was unrelated to this colony, and sheesh they were tough. Although they did get adopted, they weren't nearly as sweet and good-natured as the ones that were probably related...they were just "hard-edged" if you know what I mean.

My JinJin is from the "related group".
Click to expand...
My colony was probably 75% red tabby, 20% torbie and 4% black, and the rest tuxedo, brown tabby or grey/white.

My colony produced very even tempered red tabbies (male and female), strong willed black cats, and sly torbies (they were the hardest to trap). Any other color that came out of it were just plain quirky. There were red tabbies that I could pick up, carry into the house and they were tame upon entry. My one shy red tabby is the one that showed up and doesn't have any hint of personality like the other red cats, therefore I assume he isn't related.

Thanks Kerry - you supported the thoughts I had on the topic.
 
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