If the right definition for the term "Intelligence" would be "the
ability to acquire and remember information and the capability to use
them while solving different problems", then the cat is definitely the
most intelligent animal from all those surrounding us.
Try to put
an adult cat in a room in which she has never been before and see how
she is inspecting every corner of that room. This detailed search gives
her valuable information about the environment, information that can
even save her life in some cases. Actually, the curiosity specific to
cats never harmed them, on the contrary it gave her the reputation of
having nine lives!
We al know that the ability cats have to
inspect surroundings is legendary, but, at the same time it has been
proven that this ability 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 safely through
certain situations. Cats are capable of forming "learning methods", a
characteristic that was supposed to belong only to primates.
Cats
learn through observation, imitation, trying and of course, mistakes,
just like people. The stories with cats being able to open draws or
cupboards are many, but there also are cats that can turn on the lights
or use the toilet, and this is possible only by carefully observing the
ones that know how to do these things, their owners.
Considering
the fact that the cat is the most intelligent domestic animal, it is
very important that the owner knows very clearly the limits of her
cognitive processes, because conferring the pet human motives can cause
damage and behavioral problems.
For example, a cat cannot reflect
upon the past or think in perspective, so punishing her for something
she has done only minutes earlier is useless, because the cat is not
capable of connection the punishment with her actions. The same way,
cants can't claim revenge for a past punishment. In conclusion, don't
underestimate the intelligence of your cat! Try and know better your pet
and act in such a manner that living together can be a benefic
experience for both of you
