For whatever , people assume dogs are more intelligent than cats. This has been called into question by scientists in Japan, who have said that cats are as as dogs at certain memory tests. Cat , of course, have always known this. Researchers at Kyoto University conducted tests on how well 49 cats could recall or relate to an from the past – known as an episodic . The Japanese team got the to eat from one of two bowls. Fifteen minutes later, the cats were tested on their to remember which bowl they had eaten from and which remained . The team found the cats could recall what they ate and where, suggesting they had episodic memory.
The scientists also said that cats were as good as dogs on a whole of mental tests, including responding to the gestures, facial and emotions of . Researcher Saho Takagi told reporters that she believed cats think about events similar to the way humans do. She said: "An interesting speculation is that they may enjoy actively recalling memories of their , like humans." She added: "Episodic memory is viewed as being related to an introspective of the mind. Our study may imply a of consciousness in cats." Ms Takagi said the research is good for pet owners, saying: "Understanding cats more helps to establish better cat-human ."
