The Intelligence Of Cats

🧠 The Brain of Cats

A cat's brain weighs an average of 25 grams and measures about 5 cm. But size isn't everything! To measure the intelligence of a species, one looks at the folding and structure of the brain's surface. The brain of our feline friends is 90% similar to that of humans. It is divided into different areas, each with specialized tasks. These areas are interconnected and share sensory information. This allows cats to perceive, react to, and manipulate their environment in complex ways.

💭 The Memory of Cats

Intelligence is defined by the ability to store information and apply it in new situations. The frontal cortex, responsible for memory and reasoning, contains about 21 billion neurons. Cats have 300 million, while dogs have 160 million. Studies show that cats have an episodic memory, enabling them to remember the context of past events. Depending on the significance and intensity of an event, a cat can remember it for a long time.

⚙️ Information Processing

Cats learn from experiences and use memories to solve problems. Have you noticed how your cat meows and makes cute eyes to get attention? This demonstrates their problem-solving ability through experience. Once a cat realizes that you can open a door, she will remind you until you give in. 

🎂 Intellectual Age of a Cat

Experts estimate that the intelligence of an adult cat is equivalent to that of a two-year-old child. By four months old, a kitten understands "object permanence," while human babies learn this between eight and twelve months. Don't just hide your treats in the cupboard; she will remember and devise a plan to get them.

Unfortunately (or fortunately?), we can't read the minds of our beloved furry friends, but we are beginning to understand them better. Recent studies only confirm what we have long known: our cats are indeed the cutest and smartest creatures in the world. 💛