Equal Intelligence: Cats vs. Dogs - Fact or Myth?
It's evident from the numbers that cats and dogs possess roughly the same level of intelligence. However, why can't cats follow commands like dogs do? The reason lies in the distinct nature of their habits.
Dogs are social animals, accustomed to following the lead of a leader, whereas cats are solitary creatures, not inclined to obey others' commands. Even when called, they may choose not to go if they don't feel like it. This spontaneous response is a uniquely feline trait.
Can cats suffer from Alzheimer's disease too? The world of cats isn't immune to aging, with many living up to nearly 20 years, making them the longestlived feline companions. As they grow older, cats experience signs of aging, such as a decline in their senses and increased sleep. In severe cases, they may develop Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is essentially a disease where memory, learning, and other cognitive abilities decline. This can be understood as a result of their high intelligence leading to such symptoms.
The symptoms of feline Alzheimer's include repeated eating, wandering aimlessly, or even misusing the litter box. To prevent this, fostering a strong bond with their owners and providing mental stimulation can be effective methods.
Are cats' various conditioned reflexes proof of their intelligence? Cats are born with innate conditioned reflexes. The following are some basic examples. Due to their strong learning abilities, they can acquire certain conditioned reflexes from their experiences. For instance, "running to the sound of the cat food bag" is a clear demonstration of their remarkable intelligence and ability to predict the unknown.
When they feel cold, they meow When young kittens get separated from their mother and siblings, they may meow, not out of sadness, but because they are cold. Young kittens cannot regulate their body temperature themselves, and getting cold can be lifethreatening. "Meowing when feeling cold" is a survival instinct in cats.
Stimulating the bottom causes defecation Female cats have the habit of cleaning their kittens' waste. Just a little stimulus to the kitten's bottom, and they will defecate. This memory stays with them even as they grow up, so when their bottom is stimulated, they will start to defecate.
Scratching the head causes the neck to shrink When a cat is petted on the head, it may slightly shrink its neck. This is also a type of conditioned reflex, where they feel something on their head and instinctively want to protect their head. This could be a skill they have learned from experience.
