In a unique turn for animal cognition research, a new study hints that cats surpass human infants in word association. The work experiment included researchers from the University of Tokyo-tested how well and quickly cats and babies respond in linking symbols with objects–and the feline came out on top.
Experiment
In the study with 30 cats and 30 babies aged 10-12 months, each group went through hearing some spoken words in the presence of certain objects. For example: while saying “ball,” researchers would show a small toy ball or later ask the subjects to identify the object by name.
Infants were typically much slower than cats in making such a connection. Most felines, however, were able to match words with objects after just one or two repetitions. Some even selected the appropriate novel object from a collection with which they were unfamiliar with the word.
Why Cats?
Dr. Sana Hirano, lead researcher, commented that cats are probably at an advantage in sound-based memory tasks, since they have evolved to depend overwhelmingly on auditory cues for hunting. “They can distinguish specific sounds that mean reward or danger, while babies are still developing such skills,” she added.
Limitations and Skepticism
Not every expert agrees. “Association is not understanding,” cautioned Dr. Elliot Grant, a developmental psychologist not involved in this study. “While cats may be quite adept at associating sounds with rewards, like treats, infants are starting to build an understanding of language that will develop with time to include grammar and abstract concepts.”
The Takeaway
For now, the findings add to a mounting pile of evidence in favor of the cognitive sophistication of cats- and have some parents reconsidering whom they think is underappreciated.
