us humans take IQ tests with pen and paper. far as i can tell, these mainly measure how good one is at taking IQ tests. the idea that (human) intelligence is something that could be meaningfully reduced to a single scalar number has not been demonstrated to my satisfaction; again, the term isn’t clearly enough defined to tell.

Such tests require the ability to understand concepts, in this case, that of similarity and dissimilarity. Researchers have found that some cats do as well with this type of conceptual learning as monkeys. And, aside from monkeys and other primates, cats are among the most adept at learning by observing the successes and failures of other animals attempting to complete tasks to obtain a reward.

It’s a dumb debate to begin with, but all the personal anecdotes being displayed as evidence by cat people makes me question their intelligence. Great, YOUR cat as far as you see it in your own biased way is super smart, learns all commands, does your taxes for you, and is super protective and loving in your family. The problem is in a more objective analysis in a wider population of representatives of the species this was not deemed to be the case. Perhaps the analysis was flawed in someway, I don’t know. I really don’t care about your own individual cat experiences as you see them because that means practically NOTHING as far as relating to the topic.

I’m glad your cats make you happy and feel like you are an independent thinker just because you own a cat. Wonderful. The only actual compelling evidence anybody has given, which is actually quite good evidence and is overshadowed by all the other ridiculous arguments is the greater quantity of neurons in the cortex.

As of now, on average, way more evidence of dogs being more intelligent(at least in the self-serving way we typically define it). Maybe cats are secretly super geniuses able to detect dark matter and theorize on the pre big bang theories of the universe and we as humans haven’t reached the point ourselves to be able to utilize this intelligence. Until then, cats to me are just solitary animals with a good prey drive, ambush instinct that occasionally when they are in the mood, look for attention from humans. If their intelligence isn’t demonstrable in any meaningful way, why pretend like there is something there that is most likely not. Just appreciate them for what they are, and get over the fact your pet’s intelligence is not as quantifiable as somebody else’s.

On a lighter note about their respective intelligence, try to make 8 cats to pull a sled in -30C

Having owned three dogs and two cats, I’m gonna say dogs appear to be MUCH smarter, and at the very least are definitely more social and loyal than cats. Cats are great for people who just want a PET and don’t mind an animal in their house that does not care for their human counterpart. Dogs, however, are the clear choice for any person who wants an animal COMPANION that will pursue not only its own happiness but that of its owner as well.

Interesting choice of words. I wonder what worth a lion, rhinoceros, or bald eagle has any worth aside from “looking cool.” It is obvious this person meant “worth to humans.” But then the very fact that the cat has been domesticated and bred for thousands of years would counter that argument fairly quickly. Surely our early ancestors, for whom survival was the most pressing matter of the day, had more on their minds for the use of cats than simply finding something to snuggle with. And while cats as sources of food and clothing might be two more reasons humans have found to keep the little guys around even in some countries today (same goes for dogs), the cat’s hunting prowess has often been useful to the protection of crops and grain, and many other goods during transport, as well as eradication of disease bearing rodents. Cats during the Black Death epidemic were often blamed by superstitious folk as being the demonic source of the disease and subsequently killed rather than being heralded as the right heroes to find and capture the real culprits – rats. How useful are cats? Let’s just say that if Europeans had allowed cats to reign free in houses and on the streets the chances of 75-200 million people dying would have been greatly reduced. Even rat-catching breeds of dogs such as terriers are no match for the mighty cat.

And finally, it has been scientifically proven that the docile cat is the perfect pet for elderly people in convalescence. Both dogs and cats have been used as therapy for elderly people suffering from ailments ranging from strokes to Alzheimer’s. And while the more spry individuals may be able to enjoy the fun of playing with dogs many people have shown benefit and improvement simply by having a cat fall asleep in their lap, something they enjoy and which their body weight allows them. It seems even old and “worthless” cats have their worthiness restored when it comes to the elderly, as both partners have nothing but time to relax and enjoy while the cat’s limited necessities prove ideal for the nearly immobile. As someone else here said, cats purr. Some research even suggests this act is often used by cats to communicate with humans and subsequently focus our attention on the animal – even if the attention sought is merely an invitation to relax together. Again, for an elderly person, especially one recovering from an ailment, this may be just the sort of invitation they need.

Sadly, some people think an animal is only worth what it can do for you, even if that need fulfillment is only an ideal. “Yes,” some argue, “a dog can protect your home and hunt with you.” There are an estimated 77 million dogs owned by people in the U.S. Even if we estimated that every 5 dogs were belonged to one household – that means that 16 million people are out there hunting with their dogs and being protected by security hounds from armed gunmen. There are an estimated 14 million hunters in this country. I doubt every one of them takes a dog along, let alone a team of dogs like some 19th century Lord. And if armed burglars entered my home MY DOG might just as well run away or go hysterical and most likely get shot. It’s true though. History has proven him completely useless as a guard dog – and he’s fairly big, too. Most dogs aren’t built to protect and are so far removed from the necessity to hunt that they have not the skills.

So what does that mean? Most dogs are useless? No! They’re pets. They are a part of your family. Imagine someone told you your kids were worthless because they can’t possibly provide for you now or when you retire (ah, but the cat will be there for you in your old age – and besides, a cat can live a pretty long time).

It showed love, jumping on our laps and stand on two feet to lick us on the chin or stroking it’s face to ours.

I don’t have a cat now, but there are a couple in my neighborhood. Once, when I was walking from my home to my friend, I met the cat outside my door, it just talked to it and said “come”. And it followed me all the way to my friends doorstep, then it left. This has happened a couple of times with other cats too. You have to know how to bound with them, otherwise they wont bound to you.

As for tricks… I’m with the cat, who wants to cater to humans just to entertain them?? Perhaps she finds it demeaning to respond to commands being barked at her! My cat does tricks that please HER, such as turning on the TV at night and while I’m at work to keep herself amused (or whatever the reason, I’m just guessing!). Or turn on the faucet if she’s thirsty. But, my dog is my best friend and protector. Ive never seen my cat maneuver between me and someone threatening me! But my little dog has! And my cat keeps the place bug and rodent free!

So… Have one of each… Makes for a nice little family. They’ll both contribute different things to your life and teach YOU a few things!

I guess my point here is that whichever companion animal you have the pleasure of keeping, both animals can make you very happy.

One note about cats: They smell much better when they come in after the rain

I love dogs and cats, but find cats to be more observant and have a better concentration span than dogs. Cats observe their environment around them intently and use their observations for their survival. Cats are very independent and use litter boxes, clean themselves, and require very little maintenance to own. In the wild, they are much more crafty and resilient than canines and can hunt and survive on their own.

Most people who don’t own cats and don’t observe them daily don’t have the opportunity to observe the rich behaviors, personalities, intelligence, and sense of dignity and pride that cats command. I was the same way before getting my cat.

As far as hunting, cats stalk and ambush, where dogs immediately charge forward. On the dog’s part, he is of one mind focused on his target relying solely on his physical prowess to take down his pray. On the cat part, it seems as though the animal is trying to minimize all chances of failure by expending its energy at the last possible minute, ie. the dog has already expended a considerable amount of energy getting to its prey which will attempt to flee long before the dog reaches it, if at all. This may be due to the fact that dogs are typically pack hunters, and thus such a coordinated approach would be too complicate. This also would lead me to believe why dogs are more likely to be hit by cars.

One last thing, cat’s show affection by bringing live prey to you, to add to this they also tend to play with their food. as sadistic as this sounds, it is to my knowledge done only by the most intelligent species of animals.

most research on this subject has been poorly done and is difficult due to the cat’s nature being less dependent on others. As an owner of numerous cats and dogs, i would have to say breed plays as much into cat intelligence as it does with dogs. I have taught a few of my cats to play fetch, use the toilet, beg, speak, turn on lights(blue eyed Siamese have poor night vision), etc., and though many times less successful than dogs teaching them these skills to the many cats i’ve had, the ones that did learn did so with much more precision than any canine. In my experience i would have to say my opinion is for Cats as far as intelligence goes, which is probably why they are so often more annoying than dogs.

Cats are VERY smart.