Are you leaving for a trip and wondering if your cat will miss you and remember you until you reunite? Let’s find out what experts say about a cat’s memory.
Are you leaving for a trip and wondering if your cat will miss you and remember you until you reunite? Let’s find out what experts say about a cat’s memory.
Cats are smart creatures. They learn fast and tend to retain significant information about their surroundings. Yet there’s uncertainty among cat owners regarding the amount of information and the extent to which they can recall. Being curious, cat parents often ask: do cats have good memory?
Yes, cats have a good memory as much as other animal species like dogs and humans do. However, they can memorize selective events based on their experiences. While cats can remember their meal time, litter box location, and owners’ faces, their ability to recall such details often declines as they age.
Research suggests that cats have good long-term memory. Should it be true – cats must not forget the place they live in. Despite being intelligent, many cats lose their way back home. So, how does it happen? Let’s find out more in detail from a vet’s perspective and other possible theories.
How Good Is A Cat’s Memory?
A cat’s memory is quite good, as it can remember its owners after being separated for several months. Particularly, their memories are linked with the emotions involved. So, the stronger the emotion, the longer it will be imprinted in a cat’s brain.
Several experiments have been conducted to gauge a cat’s ability to recall things. It has been observed that cats can remember the drill of locating food or finding hidden objects for up to 15 minutes, indicating they have excellent short-term memory.
However, the long-term memory of cats is also incredible. It’s usually built up from the experiences they have had when younger. For instance, cats never forget the person, place, or any event that traumatized them or made them overjoyed.
What Do Cats Remember?
Cats can recall every good and bad encounter, whether it’s with a person or an object. As said, cats often reminisce about pleasant touches, warm food, feeding hands, and favorable hunting spots. On the flip side, they also remember unpleasant experiences and will avoid situations or people that have caused them distress.
Though we can’t exactly tell how cats process memories, studies suggest that they can recollect various events from their lives. Their memories are influenced by the emotions associated with these experiences, making both joyful and traumatic events particularly memorable.
How Long Can Cats Remember?
Cats can hold memories for several weeks to years. How long a cat will remember a person, place, or experience depends on the bond it shares. That being said, cats can’t remember a visitor’s face for more than 24 hours.
However, felines can recall their owner’s face for a lifetime. Similarly, any person or object associated with a strong emotion, whether an abusive experience or a lovable moment, can be remembered for 10-15 years.
Does Age Affect A Cat’s Memory?
Yes, aging can result in poor memory in cats. Felines over 10 years of age are considered senior and are more likely to develop Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), also known as Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FDS). However, signs and symptoms are not apparent in all cats.
CDS, referred to as feline dementia, may affect a cat’s memory between 11 to 21 years of age. While not all cats experience memory loss, a study has indicated that 50% of 15-year-old cats exhibit similar signs.
Can A Cat’s Memory Affect Their Behavior?
Yes, a cat’s memory has a significant impact on their behavior. You might have noticed your cat starts meowing excessively or sits down near the food bowl at their scheduled mealtime.
Similarly, kittens are often afraid of loud noises like a vacuum cleaner and run away from it. If this becomes a habit, they will continue to do so even as they grow older.
Final Thoughts
What a cat holds in its memories reflects in its behavior and health. A cat with good memories will be more active and playful around you. However, if it has had any bad experiences with certain people or objects, it may become anxious and skittish in their presence.
Therefore, it’s crucial to watch for any irregular behavioral changes in your cat. As a caring and responsible cat parent, you must ensure your cat feels secure, comfortable, and happy.