We may have all been confused before: one cat can skillfully unlock a complicated door, sneak into the kitchen, accurately locate and open the cabinet door to take away snacks; while another cat may stare at its own image in the mirror for a long time, meowing in confusion, or hitting the transparent barrier in vain at the flying birds behind the glass. This distinct difference in intelligence in the cat kingdom is like a carefully drawn map of intelligence and stupidity in nature.

The roots of the differences in cats’ minds are deeply buried in the soil of genes and physiology. Science points out that cats of different breeds naturally differ in neuron density, brain structure and even neurotransmission efficiency. Maine Coons are famous for their ever-present agility, while Ragdoll cats are often loved for their docile temperament - a temperament that is often interpreted as slightly dull and docile. In addition, the unique expression of certain genes may quietly affect cognitive ability and learning efficiency. However, even the smartest cats have an intelligence ceiling equivalent to that of human children at the age of two or three. Their world is ultimately based on instinct and intuition.

Environment and experience are another invisible hand that shapes the minds of cats. Cats that grow up in a rich environment face all kinds of toys, puzzles and human interactions from an early age. Their brains are like jade that is constantly polished, and they gradually become good at observing, learning and adapting. On the contrary, if they grow up in a world with few stimulations, their cognitive abilities are naturally like uncultivated wasteland. More importantly, are the owners willing to spend time guiding them to learn new skills and solve small problems? This kind of patient interaction is the kindling that lights up the dormant cognitive light in their brains. The environment and guidance together leave different depths of marks on the mental map of cats.

When we hold those "cute" cats in our arms, their "dullness" is not a lovely expression of clumsiness and innocence. Cats do not exist to compete in intelligence. Their unique personalities, whether they are as smart as puzzle solvers or as honest as thinkers, are their irreplaceable charm codes. This diversity is precisely why we love cats so much.

Written by: Luna

2025.06.10