![Kittens 'Smarter' Than Puppies: Can 'Count Better'](https://maltadaily.mt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/kitweb.jpg)
Cats can distinguish between different quantities, an essential survival skill. A May 2023 study found that even seven-week-old kittens possess this ability. In two experiments, kittens consistently chose larger food quantities. In the first, 25 out of 26 kittens preferred the larger amount when the ratios were above 0.4.
The second experiment showed 18 out of 24 kittens chose the larger food piece when the size ratio was below 0.5.
Interestingly, kittens’ quantitative skills develop earlier than those of puppies. Seven-week-old kittens can reliably choose larger quantities between one and four items, whereas eight-week-old puppies struggle with similar tasks unless the differences are more significant, like between one and six.
This early development in kittens may be due to their solitary hunting ancestry, necessitating early decision-making, unlike puppies who rely on social groups longer.
The study also noted that when one food item was five times larger, kittens tended to choose the smaller piece, possibly due to a preference for non-threatening prey.
This research highlights kittens’ surprising math skills, adding to their list of impressive abilities like jumping and playing. Despite not helping with taxes, kittens’ quantitative discrimination is a remarkable aspect of their cognitive abilities.
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