'Smartest Cat On The Planet' Easily Beats Owner's Shell Game Without Scratching A Claw
If you're a cat owner, you know just how smart cats really are. But sometimes, they even surprise the most in-tune owner with their intellect and thoughts. Just watch this cat belonging to famous wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin easily beat a shell game featuring a grape tomato. It's pretty impressive!
@wildcorwin When I found out I had the smartest cat on the planet! Our Millie is a feline genius! Kindly follow, like and share! #cat #funny #animals #silly #game
The caption of the TikTok video reads: "When I found out I had the smartest cat on the planet! Our Millie is a feline genius!" First, the cat is treated to a shell game featuring a small red tomato underneath one of three cups that Jeff moves around. When told to pick the cup hiding the tomato, Millie indeed does by patting her paw at the cup, with Dad praising her as "so smart!" Then the cat is asked to choose between a red tomato and a yellow tomato, picking the red tomato again to the laughing delight of Jeff and his wife.
People in the comments were both amazed and tickled by the video, with one person joking, "Cat: I'm worried about you [Jeff]. Every day you lose track of your tomatoes and I have to keep helping you find them. Call the doctor." Meanwhile, another pointed out, "This reminded me about how scientists say it's difficult to prove if cats or dogs are more intelligent because cats usually just refuse to play the 'games' (intelligence tests) we try to get them to play." All we have to say is: Well played, cat, well played.
How smart are cats?
Cats may spend half the day looking like the sleepiest kitty to ever take a nap and the other half causing chaos, but don't let their antics fool you. These cute, furry pets have some serious brainpower, with feline intelligence often being compared to that of a typical human toddler.
Cats can understand that a favorite toy still exists even when it disappears underneath the couch, and they quickly learn which household routines lead to dinner or bedtime. Their intelligence is driven by their ability to learn by watching. A curious kitty might figure out how to open a door, find a hidden treat, or get your attention by studying your behavior and movements. Plus, their strong memories help them navigate familiar spaces and recall experiences for an impressively long time. That exemplary combination of observation and problem-solving makes cats much more than just adorable pets.
So, are cats smarter than dogs? It depends on how you measure intelligence. Dogs often excel at cooperation and following human instructions, while cats tend to rely on independence and self-sufficiency. A cat ignoring your commands might very well understand but simply not see a good reason to listen or follow directions. After all, feline smarts usually come with a healthy dose of attitude!