Having owned both types of pets–and I use the term “owned” loosely–I have to say that dogs and cats are both very smart–but in different ways. Dogs are more sociable, they can be taught to do more things, they are also more integrated into the family. Cats, however, are expert at using the carrot and stick approach to get their way. When they reject us, we beg for forgiveness. When they love us, it is a very big deal. We swoon for that purring. Indeed, we don’t train them, they train us.
In any event, SHS never shies away from controversy, so here it is. A scientific study says dogs are smarter than cats. From the article in Science Daily:
Over millions of years dogs have developed bigger brains than cats because highly social species of mammals need more brain power than solitary animals, according to a study by Oxford University. For the first time researchers have attempted to chart the evolutionary history of the brain across different groups of mammals over 60 million years. They have discovered that there are huge variations in how the brains of different groups of mammals have evolved over that time. They also suggest that there is a link between the sociality of mammals and the size of their brains relative to body size, according to a study published in the PNAS journal.
Evolution, shmevolution. Cats were gods in Ancient Egypt for a reason. They impose their will and get what they want far better than dogs. That makes them smarter in my book, no matter the brain ratios. But who cares? Both bring us so much joy.
November 28th, 2010 | 10:32 pm
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November 28th, 2010 | 11:17 pm
[...] See original here: Dogs Smarter Than Cats? Not Based on Who Rules the Roost … [...]
November 29th, 2010 | 12:27 am
Wesley, I cannot claim objectivity, since I’ve only had cats, but cats are unquestionably, and irrefutably, the most wonderful of God’s creations. My own cat has me completely wrapped around her, ah, claws ;-)
November 29th, 2010 | 12:42 am
[...] link: Dogs Smarter Than Cats? Not Based on Who Rules the Roost … Related Posts:Daily Buzz: Study Decides Who Is Smarter – Dogs or Cats? – Blogs … [...]
November 29th, 2010 | 3:25 am
They say that all human relationships with animals are ultimately master/slave, except for the cat…
Wesley J. Smith Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Andrzej: No, it’s master/slave alright; only we’re the slaves.
November 29th, 2010 | 10:10 am
Wesley: At last!!! I can agree with you 100% without any reservation at all. I think there’s a saying that goes: “Dogs have owners; cats have staff.”
OK, if you like cats then you can’t be such a bad guy after all, so I apologize for all my past sins. That doesn’t mean I won’t disagree with you; I’ll just do it more politely.
HW
November 29th, 2010 | 10:18 am
I forget the source of this quote, but I like it:
“Dogs have owners. Cats have staff.”
November 29th, 2010 | 4:01 pm
Cats are clearly the smartest of all animals. Did I mention my cat is making me write this…;-)
November 29th, 2010 | 6:22 pm
I love dogs, but cats have a special place in my heart. As with people, I think intelligence really depends on the animal. I think there are some cats who are very very intelligent and some that are kind of dull! Same with dogs. But they are all wonerful. :D
Meghan
November 29th, 2010 | 9:09 pm
safepres: I agree with you. But my cat takes issue with your view of some cats… ;-)
November 30th, 2010 | 11:03 am
Oh come on, it’s got to be dogs. I’ve never seen a cat open a door, purposefully unmake a bed, ever listen to a verbal command or not be mesmerized by every piece of string within a 10 foot radius. You guys have been hypnotized by your cats neediness, break free from the chains of bondage!
We need a little bit more canine exceptionalism around here!
November 30th, 2010 | 3:27 pm
Two words which has convinced me of the cat’s superiority: litter box. Ladies and gentleman, I rest my case.
November 30th, 2010 | 3:48 pm
[I deleted this post. Not that it was a wrong thing, but it interfered with the light hearted intent and thread. Thanks.]
December 3rd, 2010 | 7:36 pm
>>HistoryWriter
November 29th, 2010 | 10:10 am
Wesley: At last!!! I can agree with you 100% without any reservation at all. I think there’s a saying that goes: “Dogs have owners; cats have staff.”
OK, if you like cats then you can’t be such a bad guy after all, so I apologize for all my past sins. That doesn’t mean I won’t disagree with you; I’ll just do it more politely.
HW<<
Hey Wesley! There is hope for HW after all.
Our Lord sure does work in mysterious ways!:)
I hear ya! Seeing is believing Victor!
Peace
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