A Michael Broad Blog
By ‘absolute way’ I mean looking at intelligence overall and not qualifying it and breaking it down. Just looking at raw intelligence. The objective: to get a handle on cat intelligence. We know that cats are less intelligent than humans but how intelligent are they especially in rational thought? I know my cat takes …
The saying “no room to swing a cat” is commonly used to describe a very cramped or confined space. Its exact origin is somewhat debated, but there are two main theories: As I mention in the infographic, I very much favour the naval origin as it makes far more sense. It is obvious why …
Being cared for by humans significantly influences the inherited social structure of domestic cats (Felis catus), shaping their behaviors and interactions in ways that differ from their wild ancestors. Here are some key effects: 1. Increased Social Tolerance 2. Reduced Need for Territorial Defense 3. Retention of Kitten-Like Behaviors (Neoteny) 4. Modified Communication Patterns …
More: Sayings and superstition Long-hand explanation: The phrase “having kittens” to describe someone who is extremely upset or anxious likely originates from older superstitions and expressions related to cats and childbirth. One theory traces it back to medieval folklore, where it was believed that pregnant women who were startled or frightened could “give birth” …
Note: Rare earth minerals are deposits of ore that contain rare earth elements, which are used in many high-tech applications. Trump’s insistence on linking past U.S. aid to Ukraine to future mineral access is not legally enforceable. Zelensky is perfectly entitled to reject Trump’s demand for ‘consideration’ for the gift of billions of dollars in …
Introduction The question of sentience in animals has long been a subject of philosophical, scientific, and ethical debate. Sentience, broadly defined, refers to the capacity to experience sensations, emotions, and subjective awareness. It is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes living, feeling beings from inanimate objects or purely mechanical processes. In recent decades, advances in …
Not all domestic cats hide their feces. Sometimes they don’t in the litter tray perhaps because through excellent cat caregiving they feel equal to their caregiver and non-submissive. If a cat feels secure, confident, and perhaps even equal to its human, it may not feel the need to display submissive behavior by covering its …
For a while I have been making the point that we tend to regard fish as inanimate objects to be scooped out of the oceans in vast numbers, fried and eaten. An unending source of nutrition for the dominant species on the planet. But each of these fish has – I would argue – …
