Does anyone here know anything about feline cognition?

[MrModerate]

Given how cat-crazy DU folks are, I'm sure someone does.

I now have a cat living permanently with me for the first time in my life and she's certainly brought a lot of joy to the family. However, I frequently find myself asking her "what's going on in your little mind?"

My searches for "cat cognition" haven't gotten me very far.

Do we know how complex cats' thought processes are? Where would you suggest I look?

[RevCheesehead]

1. Your cat will teach you all you need to know.

Trust me. Somehow, they manage to do that.

I got my three (now two) all at once, and went through a rigorous cat-bootcamp experience. Communication is more than meows, and includes whiskers, ears, tails - body language.

[Not_Giving_Up]

2. I have three cats

One has chosen me as her human, and she makes sure that I know this. She sleeps ON me (not with me), and pulls clean undergarments from my drawer and brings them to me in the living room (I guess in case I forgot something). One has chosen my son as his human, and lives to get his attention. The third alternates between my huband and me, and loves to play in water.

Do I know what's going on in their heads? Not entirely, but I have a pretty good idea most of the time. I just wish I knew why my kitty brings me bras and thongs, but never the icky granny panties.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Karl Leyhausen was the original authority on feline behavior.

My favorite book about cat behavior is "The Tribe of Tiger: Cats and their Culture" by Elizabeth Marshall. But I'm not convinced that anybody really knows what those odd little creatures are thinking.

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. Is it anything cat ignition?

[BikeWriter]

9. I had been waiting for that snarky copycat! :-)

[lady lib]

5. Sonya Fitzpatrick

(pet psychic) might be able to help. Here's the Amazon link for her book on cats.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0425194957/qid=1117603998/sr=8-4/ref=pd_csp_4/103-0968012-2915026?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

[lady lib]

8. So, are you going to read her book?

eom

[Canadian Socialist]

6. Have you ever eaten or seen a walnut?

Having done so, that is about as big (if not bigger) than a cat's brain. Having said that, yes, cat's decide. Nothing else. Cat's decide who they like or who they don't like. Your cat likes you. The others don't. There is nothing you can do about this, except feed them really scruptious cat treats. In which case, they will love you until you stop feeding them scruptious cat treats. Cat's are not smart. They just pretend they are. And compared to most humans, yes, they are smart. Heee.

p.s. with cats, it really is ALL ABOUT THEM. And that's why I love cats. No muss, no fuss.

p.p.s. I saw this National Geographic special, several years ago, that proved that squid were more intelligent than cats. My problem with that? Squid are more tasteful, with a little lemon and tzaiki sause. Cats? Not so good tasting. Plus, you have to get rid of the fur.

[MrModerate]

7. Since I lived in Hong Kong for several years . . .

I'm thinking it's a statistical certainty that I've eaten cat (without the fur, of course).

It probably tastes like calamari, but less chewy.

[King Coal]

10. The only thing you can teach a cat is not to get caught.

If you want to learn about their will to live, try throwing one out of a moving vehicle.

[khashka]

11. Desmond Morris

Catwatching and Catlore are great books. Check 'em out. Otherwise, just observe your cat.....


Khash.

[Lauri16]

12. I have 4 cats

and over the years have been owned by many cats.

The only thing you really need to know is follow their lead, guess right, and no one gets hurt. ,,,=^..^=,,,