An Inquiry into the Nature of Communication Between Humans and Exotic Cats

INTRODUCTION

Table of Contents

• Abstract

• Introduction

• Methods

• Data

• Results

• Discussion

• Credits

• About the Author

    In their natural setting, humans and exotic cats - referring to non-domesticated cats, as exotics - interact in a variety of ways depending on their food cycle. The interaction can be innocuous, such as the wild serval's penchant for birds and rabbits. The interaction can involve coexistence, such as wild tigers feeding on the same wild meat source that a nearby village. The interaction can be antagonistic; as is the case when wild lions prey on the cattle raised native tribes. Using the food chain model, the interactions are predictable based on the tangible concept of hunger-one species must come into conflict with another if their interaction is a threat to the satiation of that basic need.

    This model falls apart with the removal of the hunger barrier. If both species are satiated, then a new hierarchy must emerge. This hierarchy must, therefore, be based on secondary or even tertiary needs required for the creatures to survive. Maslow's hierarchy of needs describes the need for security, emotional support, aesthetic pleasure, and self-actualization, amongst other things, for humans to thrive. It would be hasty to claim that exotics adhere to an identical scheme as that of humans-from an organic construct point of view, they are equipped with a different set of instincts from which they will assess their world, and therefore have the capability of arriving at different conclusions based on how instinctual perception colors their world. Exotics come with different physical equipment with which to explore their world, and a different means of comparing it to self-which is the only true means of measuring contrariness.

    The purpose of this inquiry is to analyze the nature of the interaction between large felines and humans once common basic barriers are removed. Sanctuary ownership is the preferred method of assessing this interaction because it allows time for the development of a relationship in an environment that satisfies security and hunger needs. Because the removal of a barrier is a perceptual accomplishment, each exotic will have their own perception of how complete this removal is based on instinct, history prior to sanctuary residency, and 'personality'-defined as the unique schemata of each cat based on the intangible individual characteristics. At the end of this inquiry, a system will suggest itself as to a method of dealing with exotics to the betterment of both species and as to the nature of communication to achieve that betterment.

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