If we choose to define ‘intelligence’ as the ability to acquire and remember information and the capability to use them while solving different problems, then the cat is without doubt the most intelligent animal from all those surrounding us.
The cat’s ability to acquire and gather information through careful observation and studies is uncanny. This can be observed by putting a cat in a room in which it has never been before. The first thing you will notice will be that the cat will inspect every nook and corner of the room and make note of the different aspects of the room to give it valuable information about the environment including if there are exits and if there are, it will note where that exit is and how fast it can use the exit in case of emergencies or just use it as an outlet for escape if it feels that it is being trapped inside the room. This information is valuable and can save its life in some cases. This curiosity specific to cats gave her the reputation that cats have nine lives.
The with Nine Lives
This legendary ability of cats to inspect surroundings is superior to that of any other domestic animal. The intellectual capacity of the cat is demonstrated by her ability of using information she already has to pass through certain situations. Cats are capable of forming learning patterns, a characteristic that was supposed to belong to primates.
Learn through Observation
Cats learn through observation, imitation, trying and of course mistakes, just like people. By observing their owners, cats are capable of imitating on how to open drawers or cupboards, turn on the lights or use a toilet. If you allow the cat to roam free, then you will not have any problem regarding where the cat will ease or urinate itself but if you keep the cat in the house all the time, you may have such problems. The good news is you can program the cat to know exactly where to ease or urinate itself by preparing a special toilet of hardboard placed at one corner of your house, probably in your extra toilet room. Once you program the cat to use that special toilet, the cat will automatically utilize it every time it needs to go to the toilet. If you remove the toilet, it will be stressed to find another one which is definitely not available in the house. And if the toilet is full or dirty, the cat will approach you and requests you to clean it or it will refuse to ease itself or urinate in the toilet box. It will not use a replacement box because its memory does not record that new box as the proper box recorded in its memory.
Considering the fact that cats are the most intelligent domestic animal, it’s important the owner clearly knows he limits of their cognitive processes. Conferring the pet human motives can potentially cause damage and behavioral problems.
Think in Perspective
A cat reflect upon the past or think in perspective, so punishing her for something she has done minutes earlier is useless because the cat is not capable of connecting the punishment with her actions. The same way, cats can’t claim revenge for a past punishment. So don’t underestimate the intelligence of your cat. Try to understand better your pet and act in a manner that living together can be a beneficial experience for both of you.
