Animal Intelligence

[not_for_sale2025]

Apparently one of the most important developments that impacted on human intelligence was the knowledge of how to make 'fire'. This allowed cave people to cook their meat. Consequently, less time was spent on chewing and the cooked meat was digested and metabolised much more efficiently. As time passed, the now human brain grew bigger and more grey matter formed. This contributed to humans becoming the dominant species and we have visited the moon, developed cures for diseases and are learning about the secrets of the universe.

It has occurred to me that we are now feeding our dogs and cats cooked food much more than we used to. Is it therefore possible that our pets will eventually become more intelligent than us and take over the household? I am a bit worried because I am positive that my cat will take no prisoners.

[davidc4430]

[tasfleur]

No human will ever go to Mars.  Instead, only tabby cats are being sent because they are much more intelligent!

[tasfleur]

Told you, I told you so, yes I did, I did tell you so!!

[ecar3483]

I expect, in the brave new world that lies ahead, that I'll perform a menial role in the service of my cockatoo overlords - refilling the water dishes, feeding them on demand...

You know, I can't shake this eerie feeling that the future's already here... ha ha.

🙂

[imastawka]

[zanadoo_56]

Right now I don't think I can question my cat's growing cunning and intelligence.

I leave the bedroom door open at night (I've had mould issues with the lack of cross ventilation) and occasionally she comes in - mostly to look outside from the window, but with the cold weather she has taken to sometimes sleeping on me.

I am a poor sleeper as arthritis tends to wake me up and I have to shift position.  My cat only settles on me if I am lying on my back.  This has been fine until recently when she has come in and discovered I am on my side....which is not what she wants.

Do I wake up when she silently jumps on the bed? No.

Do I wake up when she creeps under the covers at the foot of the bed? No.

Do I wake up when she decides I've spent long enough on my side and sinks her teeth into my feet?  Hell yes.

Is there a cat repellant out there that is safe to put on my feet?

[not_for_sale2025]

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@zanadoo_56 wrote:

Right now I don't think I can question my cat's growing cunning and intelligence.

I leave the bedroom door open at night (I've had mould issues with the lack of cross ventilation) and occasionally she comes in - mostly to look outside from the window, but with the cold weather she has taken to sometimes sleeping on me.

I am a poor sleeper as arthritis tends to wake me up and I have to shift position.  My cat only settles on me if I am lying on my back.  This has been fine until recently when she has come in and discovered I am on my side....which is not what she wants.

Do I wake up when she silently jumps on the bed? No.

Do I wake up when she creeps under the covers at the foot of the bed? No.

Do I wake up when she decides I've spent long enough on my side and sinks her teeth into my feet?  Hell yes.

Is there a cat repellant out there that is safe to put on my feet?

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LOL. See, they're getting more intelligent, it's started already.

Spoiler

[tasfleur]