Thread by @Explanimals

If I fits I sits: A citizen science investigation into illusory contour susceptibility in domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus).
Gabriella E. Smith, Philippe A. Chouinard, @sebyosiere
#AnimBehav2021
#sensoryperception
#IfIFitsISits

Affectionately termed “if I fits I sits,” the urge to sit in small spaces is well-known in cats! The reason for this is still unknown but is clearly highly desirable. In fact, cats deprived of shelters will hide behind or underneath boxy objects (@NadineGourkow01 & Fraser, 2006).

The "if I fits I sits" phenomenon is an excellent tool to study visual perception of contours & offers insight into vision in cats! This study explored cats’ susceptibility to the Kanizsa illusion via their tendency to sit in enclosed spaces & determine if they see the illusion!

Stimuli included the Kanizsa square illusion, a square outline, and a Kanizsa control. Dimensions within and between stimuli were determined to ensure that a cat could comfortably sit or stand inside with all limbs but not sprawl between and contact both at once.

Fisher’s exact tests reveal a significant preference for Kanizsa vs. control (p < .05, two-tailed); no preference for square vs. control (p = .40); no preference for Kanizsa vs. square (p = .29); and a significant preference for Kanizsa/square over control (p < .05).

This study supports previous research that cats see the Kanizsa illusion (Bravo et al., 1988)! Due to the effects of domestication on sensory abilities (Trut et al., 2009), future research could compare the evolution of vision and illusion susceptibility in non-domestic cats!