by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: January 21, 2009

While Snowball may not remember what dress your were wearing yesterday or the last American Idol winner, cats surely can prove to have a good recollection of events when it comes to memory. There are many testimonies to this if owners of cats watch their feline friends closely.

A cat's recording of events seems to be particularly relevant when associated with pain or pleasure. These two opposite yet remarkable feelings seem to leave an imprint mark in a cat's mind.

Let's take a look at how painful or stressful events remain vivid in a cat's mind. For instance, the majority of cats will go absent without official leave upon seeing their owners grab their carrier. This is because cats have quickly learned to associate (thanks to memories) the carrier with something unpleasant like being carried out of their familiar territory.

Cats may be become tense upon going to the vet: most cats will remember that is the place full of barking dogs and nurses that stick thermometers up their behinds before getting repeatedly punctured by a vet that had a bad day. Your cat may also hide under the bed upon seeing you open that pill bottle ready to throw that nasty tasting tablet down the cat's throat.

Cats may also remember that uncle Joe dislikes him or her and will never forget getting pushed away from the couch when they tried to approach him purring. Abused cats may seem to remember through fear, owners that mistreated them or worse resorted to hurt them.

Good memories are obviously much more pleasant to cats. Your cat will remember that when you come home from the market (which cats perceive as your "hunting session") you will bring home some great canned goodies and that when you turn the can opener very likely some tuna juice will follow.

Your cat will also remember that Aunt Rosie loves to exchange some nose kisses and that nice little pats and scratches on the ears will follow. Cats that are leash trained will remember that the leash is something positive that allows them to get some fresh air and see the chirping birdies.

An interesting factor somehow related to memory is a process called "imprinting". Breeders are familiar with such term. Imprinting is the process of handling small kittens (even days old) for the purpose of getting them socialized and familiar with humans. Intense bonding may therefore, be formed when the kitten is handled during some crucial phases of its life. When done properly, impriniting will cause a cat to accept humans and trust them throughout

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