Studies show term 'smarty-cat' is a real thing for felines

As feline enthusiasts, we get the term “smarty-cat,” because we see firsthand feline repetitive learned behavior.

Wikipedia defines “cat intelligence” as “the capacity of the domesticated cat to 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 cat's memory is based on things they have seen before and on their sensory perceptions regarding hearing, smell, taste and touch. Felines also have memory based on motor skills when they learn to do something. How much closet door banging (both sliding door and bi-fold door) do you have to endure to know this is true?

For example, I changed out sliding closet doors for bi-fold to deter them. It took my felines one day in a concerted effort to figure out the new dreaded door that impeded their way to mischief.

Our cat's memory is improved by doing. Does your cat come running to the sound of the flip-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. If you feed your feline a treat almost every time you open the fridge, you are creating a long-lasting memory based on 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 of 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 — oops — 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 of benefit.

Perhaps you're noticing your feline is less engaged in its surroundings. Then you provide the interest by engaging 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 healthy, happy and at their A-game as “smarty-cats” when we engage them in play.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to the rescue of stray, abused and abandoned animals. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.