Travel Talks | From Savannah to Sofa: What Wild Cats Can Teach Us About Our Feline Companions

Ever wonder why your cat brings you “gifts,” naps in sunny spots or pounces on toys? And why are some cats so social, while others need their space? Uncover the fascinating connections between wild cats and our feline companions at home with Professor Monique Udell, an animal behaviorist and the director of the Human-Animal Interaction Laboratory.

Discover how behaviors seen in lions, leopards and other big cats influence the quirks of our house cats, from their playful hunting instincts to their unique social personalities.

This captivating Travel Talk helps us understand our sofa-dwelling cats through a richer, wilder lens, while providing fascinating insights into the behaviors of wildlife you might encounter on your world travels.

About the speaker

Monique Udell, Ph.D., is director of the Human-Animal Interaction Laboratory and a professor in the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences at Oregon State. Her research explores many areas of animal behavior and cognition across a wide range of species, with a special focus on the social behavior of canines and felines and the relationships they share with humans. She is especially passionate about translating the science of sociability and attachment into practical strategies that support animal welfare and enhance the wellbeing of animals and the people who care for them.