Where Knowledge Rules

Pets & Animals:

Cats

Get a Widget for this title

The cat's brain

Did you know that a cat's brain is more similar to a human brain than that of a dog, and that both humans and cats have identical regions in the brain responsible for emotion? If you think this means that your mackerel tabby will one day leave your very comfortable nest and go off to college, you better take one step back and look again. Still, it is quite amazing that a cat can recall events for as long as 16 hours (which is more than most people who have had more than a few drinks). Their brains (cats) are highly developed, and as humans we may never fully understand them. Some things however, are crystal clear to anyone who lives with cats.

There is definitely some type of short circuit in a cat's brain that can change it from a purring adorable pet into an arm-shredding lunatic without notice or benefit of a change of costume. Why does that happen? Again, a mystery, but like all mysteries worth their salt, there must be an answer someplace. (Perhaps it lies wherever those ships and planes in the Bermuda Triangle went or maybe even closer, like the back of my closet.) Another mental oddity among felines is their uncanny attraction (and even infatuation sometimes) with people who hate cats! I myself had this experience, and when a visitor to my home asked me to "do something with the cat", he immediately jumped from his perch on the windowsill to sit contentedly besides this person on the sofa.

Apart from these idiosyncrasies, one must not forget to include the can-opener sonar valve and that mysterious section of the brain that controls the fear of vacuum cleaners. Added to the driving desire to go where it is forbidden to go, these traits make living with a cat like no other experience on earth.

Perhaps they feel the same way about their owners. On can only hope for the best. So don't waste time trying to figure out how your cat's brain works or its intelligence quotient. Whatever it is, it's probably higher than yours and you will lose!

Happy Cat!

Learn more about this author, M Dee Dubroff.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

The cat's brain

  • 1 of 8

    by Debbie Robus

    There are days when I'm sure my two cats, Mabel and Lucy, non-identical litter mates, are genius cats. These are the days

    read more

  • 2 of 8

    by M Dee Dubroff

    Did you know that a cat's brain is more similar to a human brain than that of a dog, and that both humans and cats have

    read more

  • 3 of 8

    by Hanna M. Jagow

    Cats' brains are about the size of a walnut, and when you think about that, it explains a lot. A cat will jump about a yard

    read more

  • 4 of 8

    by Lavel Wideman

    Chubs: The Little Kitten That Wouldn't Come To Me.

    I happened to find its mother behind a mail box one day when I came home

    read more

  • 5 of 8

    by Ron Meyer

    If you think it is possible to figure out what, why, and how a cat's brain works I suggest you think again. This would be

    read more

View All Articles on:
The cat's brain

Add your voice

Know something about The cat's brain?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Is it dangerous to let a cat catch mice?

Click for your side.

91914

Featured Partner

Northwoods Wildlife Center

Northwoods Wildlife Center has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse Northwo...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA