Play in the domestic cat is enhanced by rationing of the mother during lactation

The mothers of eight litters of domestic cats, Felis catus, were given a rationed diet after the birth of their kittens so that they received approximately 80% of the energy intake when given ad libitum food. Rationing of the whole family was maintained until the end of the period in which the family were observed. The subsequent play of the kittens was compared with that of litters of the same mothers when the families were given ad libitum...