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Many pet owners have recently asked whether their kittens can truly remember them. In this 科普 (science popularization) issue, let’s explore some interesting experimental results to scientifically verify this question.
🧠 Common Perceptions vs. Reality
It’s widely believed that dogs can remember and follow human commands for tasks or tricks, while cats are often labeled “indifferent” or “forgetful” because they seem less responsive to training. However, cat brains share striking similarities with human brains. The number of cortical neurons determines memory ability and speed: cats have 300 million cortical neurons, compared to dogs’ 160 million.
While cats may not excel in “obedient learning” like dogs, their memory is actually stronger. Their memory focuses more on “adaptive learning” based on survival instincts. For example, kittens often learn by observing their mother, and smart cats can even mimic human behaviors like turning on water dispensers or opening cabinets.
🧠 Can Cats Tell You Apart from Strangers?
Yes, definitely. In an experiment with 20 cats^(3), after playing three consecutive recordings of strangers’ voices, 15 cats reacted to their owner’s voice (by turning their ears or heads), proving they can distinguish owners by sound alone.
Another study^(4) found cats showed more obvious reactions—like dilated pupils or pacing—when hearing their owner’s voice in a high-pitched, cutesy tone (“夹子音”) compared to a normal tone. When cats hear their owner’s voice or see them, they often approach slowly, hold their tail upright with a slight wag, or rub their head against the owner—signs of affection and trust.
🧠 Working Memory: Brief but Precise
Most animals lack working memory or can only retain it for about a minute. In one experiment^(1), cats remembered and accurately judged the correct food-seeking path within 30–60 seconds. Another study^(2) showed they memorized the height of obstacles in their path: even after a 10-minute break without training, they consistently lifted their paws to the exact height to avoid obstacles.
🧠 Long-Term Memory: Lasting Months to Years
When working memory is reinforced, it becomes long-term procedural memory. Cats have an intelligence equivalent to a 2–3-year-old child, with long-term memories lasting months or even years.
🧠 How Cats Remember You
While they may not recall your facial features perfectly, cats 牢牢 (firmly) remember your voice, scent, and the way you interact. Every time they close their eyes, sniff the air, or prick up their ears, your cat is actively recalling you.
Conclusion: Your feline friend may not express it like a dog, but their memory of you is deep and enduring. 🐾
