Cat intelligence
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Cat intelligence is the considered capacity of learning, thinking, and problem solving ability possessed by the domestic cat.
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[edit] Brain size
The brain size of the average cat is 5 centimeters and 30 grams. Since the average cat is 60 cm and 3.3 kg,<ref>http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/kinser/Size1.html</ref> the brain makes up one twelfth of its full length, and 1/110 of its weight. Thus, the average cat's brain accounts for 0.9% of its total body weight. While this may seem low, the brain accounts for 2% of total body weight in the average human. Ultimately, however, there is no conclusive proof of correlation between brain mass and intelligence.
[edit] The Learning Cat
- See also: Memory
Cats learn by trial and error, observation and imitation[citation needed]. Cats' learning abilities are aided by their good memory[citation needed]. Researchers Norman Maier and Theodore C. Schneirla reportedly found cats to have long-term spatial recall of at least 16 hours, as compared to no more than five minutes in dogs<ref>www.catsinternational.org</ref>. In terms of working memory, dogs greatly outperformed cats<ref>Fiset & Dore, Anim Cogn. 2006 Jan;9(1):62-70.</ref>. In another study, it was found that cats posess visual memory ability comparable to that of monkeys.<ref>Okujava et al., Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars). 2005;65(2):205-11.</ref>
[edit] Cat tricks
[edit] Opening doors and windows
Cats which are accustomed to being let outside, or are stuck outside, may find it useful to teach themselves to open windows and doors. A cat might find the turn crank window in its owner's kitchen easier to open to exit the house, but to get in, they might have to use the screen door in the backyard. Also, they may learn to open cupboard doors to get to the cat food.
[edit] Turning on water
Cats may prefer the taste of fresh water to the water in their dishes, so might find it useful to learn to operate the faucet. By coming into the kitchen or bathroom at the time a human is using the water, they may pick up how to work it. After some trial and error, they may finally figure out the right temperature and how to drink out of it without making a mess of themselves.
[edit] Retrieving items from hard to reach places
A cat playing with a ball may suddenly find that the ball is under the couch. The cat will try different ways, changing paws, position, and other elements, the way a human would[citation needed]. The cat may also be taught to get treats from high and hard to reach places, like on top of the refrigerator, or in a cupboard. Using the same logic as it did with the toy, the cat will get to each treat. A cat that has figured out where the cat food is kept may find that the food is inside a large bag. It might try to get in the bag or open it by means of removing the clip. Cats can also, sometimes, be observed working with each other or even a dog to get cat food EX a cat knoking down cat food from a cupboard and then the dog chewing open the tin or packet then both of them sharing.
[edit] Using the toilet
Because of their sensitive sense of smell, cats prefer going outside to urinate and defecate. Kittens need no training to use a litter box and cover up their waste; once they understand where the litter box is, they will seek it out from then on. Cats can be trained to make use of a toilet.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Brains and Body-Size
- The Intelligence of Cats
- How Intelligent Are Cats?
- Documented Tool Use by a Cat
[edit] References
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