Feline Intelligence

Circuitry and hormones form the framework on which personality develops. This structure varies from cat to cat, and is genetically influenced. It is also only part of the picture; development also depends on learning.

Just as humans have an instinct to communicate vocally at birth, but must learn how to use a language, cats are born with instincts to mark and defend territory, or hunt for sustenance, but must learn how to achieve these things.

Cats that need not hunt to survive simply never develop the "hunting" parts of their brains Many still hunt, but do not succeed like those that have learned and practiced.

Feral cats develop a valid suspicion of other animals and people, because cats are small and relatively defenseless against such adversaries.

By raising kittens in our homes, we actively intervene in the development of their brains, biofeedback mechanisms, and behavior.

A cat raised in a human home before seven weeks of age has modified biofeedback. It learns that humans are safe, knowledge that is fixed into its brain and hormonal responses to us.

Some people believe that cats cannot learn; they may appear unable to, because their brains are designed for solitary living, and respond poorly to the social learning that we, as pack animals, naturally use.

Cats do not usually obey for praise, because esteem holds no survival advantage to a solo hunter, but for a food reward, they may comply with human wishes.

The clearest example of feline thought is the cat that fights against entering its carrier to go to the veterinarian, but walks straight in for the return trip. Faced with two evils, the cat is quite capable of deciding which is the lesser.