Cats understand human language better than babies, study shows (Erica Leong – Unsplash)
A new study published in “Scientific Reports” indicates that cats are able to associate words and images more quickly than human babies, suggesting a more developed cognitive perception than previously thought.
The research, conducted by Dr. Saho Takagi and her team at Azabu University in Japan, observed that adult cats form associations between visual stimuli and spoken words more rapidly than young children, offering new insights into the ability of felines to understand linguistic cues.
During the experiment, 31 cats were shown animated clips with images – a red sun and a blue unicorn – accompanied by invented words, repeated until the cats lost interest. Then, the combination between words and images was changed, and the cats, upon noticing the change, showed greater interest, with signs of surprise such as dilated pupils. This reaction indicated that they not only made associations between words and images, but also identified the inconsistency when the pairs were swapped, showing advanced understanding.
When compared with human babies, the research showed that children required more exposure to reach the same level of association, though the study highlighted the challenges of direct comparison between species.
Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a veterinary behavior specialist, noted that such studies are complex due to evolutionary differences and the potential for bias in interpreting animal behavior. Despite these limitations, the research contributes to the growing understanding of cat intelligence, whether it is an innate trait or developed through domestication.
Source: Gadgets360 | Photo: Unsplash | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
