Actually, I read a thesis once about cat intelligence, and this — keeping track of an object through shifting locations — is something cats are extraordinarily good at. (As in, better than humans.) And they did tests controlling for smell — ie, making sure the cats could not smell the targets — and they were still really good about finding them.
Here’s the link if anyone wants it: http://www.messybeast.com/intelligence.htm — It’s some really interesting stuff. Skip to the section titled “Self Centred Mental Maps” for how it applies to this particular exercise.
It’s a long page, but definitely worth it for cat lovers. What it boils down to is that cats are a lot smarter than humans generally give them credit for, because they’re 1) smart in DIFFERENT ways from us, and 2) difficult to measure their intelligence, since they aren’t consistently motivated to please humans or even by food rewards.
Wow, that really makes a lot of sense. Thanks for posting that, kodalai! I had noticed some of this behavior with our own cats, but I’d never stopped to think about the benefits of and rationale for the behavior.
I think too this is not about sniffing out but about a cat having superior tracking and following ability. He’s just not losing track like we humans would do. We don’t have the same mental facility because it’s just not that important.
When the second one is wrong, kitty immediately looks right at the right one! “I KNEW it!”
That’s why kitty knocks it right off the table the third time – ha!
I’m not really impressed about the cat winning the game. What impresses me is that the cat is PLAYING the game. My cats would either walk away or jump on the table and lie down on the shells and give me the ‘What??” look.
Me too kibblenibble. On my fifth birthday, my mom presented me with this kitten which came from a litter our next door neighbor’s cat had. He was black and white and long haired. I named him Fat Albert. I loved him so much. He was my very best friend until I was 17. 30 years later, I STILL sometimes dream about him.
I remember you mentioning him several times, Queen! Only I didn’t know he was your childhood friend. That is very special. Mine was Witchy. I didn’t give her that name, and it didn’t suit her at all. Before me, she had been passed around through three different homes. I cannot imagine why they didn’t want to keep her forever. She was perfection.
Well, first of all, I love the thoughtful, intelligent look on the cat’s face. He totally contemplates his choices like, “hmmmmmmmmm. this is a bit tricky.” And secondly, I ADORE the human who is playing with his cat! He must really love his cat to come up with a game like that to play.
I wish i were that good!
Well of course you’re not. You’re not a cat.
I bet you all he is doing is smelling where it is.
My thoughts too, if I could smell as well as a cat, I could probably do that also…
not to downplay her skills, mind you!
Yeah, I think it’s a gum wrapper. Definitely smelling.
Actually, I read a thesis once about cat intelligence, and this — keeping track of an object through shifting locations — is something cats are extraordinarily good at. (As in, better than humans.) And they did tests controlling for smell — ie, making sure the cats could not smell the targets — and they were still really good about finding them.
Here’s the link if anyone wants it: http://www.messybeast.com/intelligence.htm — It’s some really interesting stuff. Skip to the section titled “Self Centred Mental Maps” for how it applies to this particular exercise.
It’s a long page, but definitely worth it for cat lovers. What it boils down to is that cats are a lot smarter than humans generally give them credit for, because they’re 1) smart in DIFFERENT ways from us, and 2) difficult to measure their intelligence, since they aren’t consistently motivated to please humans or even by food rewards.
Thank you, kodalai. That is really interesting!
Wow, that really makes a lot of sense. Thanks for posting that, kodalai! I had noticed some of this behavior with our own cats, but I’d never stopped to think about the benefits of and rationale for the behavior.
I think too this is not about sniffing out but about a cat having superior tracking and following ability. He’s just not losing track like we humans would do. We don’t have the same mental facility because it’s just not that important.
I’d like to snuggle that kitty in a casino…
Agreed, just the right size to snuggle and kiss too.
I like how he thinks about it at the end.
That’s my favorite part, too! She’s really working it out before she makes her choice.
that is incredible!!!! what a smart kitty!!!
Is it a leetle ball of tin foil?
When the second one is wrong, kitty immediately looks right at the right one! “I KNEW it!”
That’s why kitty knocks it right off the table the third time – ha!
Phenomenal!
Wow – smart (and attractive) kitteh.
Love that long pause for the 3rd challenge. He ain’t kidding around!
whew. he really had to think over that last one!
adorable.
I think cats must have a natural affinity for games of chance. I know mine both love to play poke-her.
Haw!
It’s almost a Casino Royale tuxedo, so its game, like Bond’s, would be baccacat chemin-de-fur.
I’m not really impressed about the cat winning the game. What impresses me is that the cat is PLAYING the game. My cats would either walk away or jump on the table and lie down on the shells and give me the ‘What??” look.
Excellent point, Gigi. I believe our cats would do the same sorts of thing. This kitty is not only pretty, but also very cooperative!
Yes! Mine would just knock them all off the table, run around after them for a minute, then sit and groom herself.
I loves me a black and white kitty. Had one once. She was my soul mate. *sigh*
Me too kibblenibble. On my fifth birthday, my mom presented me with this kitten which came from a litter our next door neighbor’s cat had. He was black and white and long haired. I named him Fat Albert. I loved him so much. He was my very best friend until I was 17. 30 years later, I STILL sometimes dream about him.
I remember you mentioning him several times, Queen! Only I didn’t know he was your childhood friend. That is very special. Mine was Witchy. I didn’t give her that name, and it didn’t suit her at all. Before me, she had been passed around through three different homes. I cannot imagine why they didn’t want to keep her forever. She was perfection.
ALL my cats have been black and white. Mimi looked like a little nun. Stinky was like a black and white cookie, and Dante is like an Oreo.
I got the exact same results as the cat. I had no idea where he put the pea the second time, and I expect neither did the cat.
WOW! That is simply amazing
What a smart kitty 
Inconceivable!
Amazing observational skills. This just shows again how superior cats are to us….
Well, first of all, I love the thoughtful, intelligent look on the cat’s face. He totally contemplates his choices like, “hmmmmmmmmm. this is a bit tricky.” And secondly, I ADORE the human who is playing with his cat! He must really love his cat to come up with a game like that to play.
Also…the ears. I love the super alert ears.
How are you, Queenie? *waving*
what a sweet face and good hooman!!