Studies show 'smarty cats' learn by memory like we do
As feline enthusiasts, we get the term "smarty-cat" because we see firsthand feline repetitive learned behavior.
Wikipedia defines feline intelligence as "the capacity to learn, solve problems and adapt to its environment." We could stop there because we understand our felines have memory, and that memory of repetitive bad acts or motor skills seems to be more acute in multiple-feline homes because the learned behavior is shared.
Yes, our felines love to teach each other.
Let's explore just how feline memory works in three easy steps. First, they must absorb the information to be able to process it with information they already know.
Next, they must store the information for a period of time. Then they must be able to retrieve the information on demand for need (survival) or an activity (play or mischief).
Studies on feline health also have determined that there is no correlation between brain size, memory and intelligence. In fact, the same studies have found that our felines have short-term and long-term memory, just like us. I will leave out the complicated scientific terms here. Just know they have many of the thinking abilities we do.
A feline's memory is based on things they have seen before and from their sensory perceptions, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Felines also have memory based on motor skills when they learn to do something.
How much closet door opening do you have to endure to know this is true? For example, I changed out sliding closet doors for bi-fold to deter my felines. It took them one day, in a concerted effort, to figure out the new, dreaded door that impeded their way to mischief.
Our feline's memory is imploded by doing. Does your feline come running to the sound of the flop-top opening of canned food? That example may be both learned and sensory. How about opening up the refrigerator? There may be no sensory perception here, but rather positive reinforcement.
You can teach them just about anything if it associates with a positive reinforcement. A combination of treats, toys and praise work well to adjust behavior and stimulate their intelligence.
Feline studies on memory and studies by behaviorists compare the feline intelligence factor to that of a 2-year-old toddler. These therapists have not met my crew. I say 3- to 4-years-old at a functionality level for them. I do believe my felines have total recall where every toy in the house is kept.
I have addressed feline intelligence and memory generally. The factors that affect it are too exhaustive to name them all here. A few glaringly obvious factors are age, disease and diet.
Aging can slow recall and the way information is stored. As felines age, they age like humans with Alzheimer's disease. Some studies suggest felines lose their ability to locate familiar items in the home. They forget the way to their favorite napping spot or they miss the litter-box. You should never move the location of the box on an aged feline.
They may even have problems finding you, so they start a continuous meowing that sounds shrill and desperate. This type of memory loss is independent of illnesses of eyesight loss and deafness.
Diet plays a role in memory function. Foods that have high levels of antioxidants and fatty acids can be beneficial.
Perhaps you're noticing your feline is less engaged in its surroundings. Then it is time to engage in more toy-time and playtime to support mental alertness. After all, we want to stimulate their memory and recall so they never forget where their toys are.
We are keeping our felines, health, happy and on their A-game as "smarty-cats" when we engage them in play.
Featured felines:
Magnolia is a 7-year-old, gray cat with unusual, striking green eyes. Offer her a catnip toy and a rub on the head and you will have a friend for life. Magnolia is a front paw declaw.
Coco is a 1½-year-old, domestic shorthair tortie, very friendly and wants nothing more than constant petting and attention.
The Buddy Foundation Walk:
9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect. Everyone is welcome to help raise money and awareness for The Buddy Foundation by walking with or without your dog during this special event. All proceeds benefit the dogs and cats. Cost is $30 on the day of event, $10 for kids younger than 12. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.
• The Buddy Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3), all-volunteer, no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the welfare of stray, abused and abandoned cats and dogs. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.