I have never seen an article about domestic cats vocalising their pleasant day-to-day feelings despite the fact that it happens all the time and is a nice reminder that cats are sentient beings. If anyone doubts that domestic cats are sentient just listen to your cat when she curls up comfortably for a snooze and sighs as if to say, “that’s nice” or saying the same thing when scratching an itchy ear.
When cats vocalise their feelings when scratching themselves, they sound like humans. Well, mine does. It’s a vocalisation which signals a feeling or relief; exactly the same for us.
For my cat is happens on at least two occasions: when he has finally settled down to snooze, he might (not always) vocalise his feeling of being comfortable and content, ready to sleep. And secondly as mentioned when he scratches his ear (he has clean and clear ears by the way 👍😎) and he vocalises a sense of relief from the minor irritation.
I take both these vocalisations as a strong indication of sentience as the sounds are clear evidence of the emotion of feeling relaxed in the first instance and feeling relief in the second.
There is nothing more to say but I’ll add a bit more to please Messrs Google and Co as they like articles that are a little longer than ten lines. 🤢🙄.
How do domestic cats tell us that they are sentient beings?
This section was created by Bing’s Co-pilot, an AI bot that searches the internet for answers. It says that the domestic cat is self-aware (see below). This is debatable and is an ongoing discussion. Normally cats don’t understand that they are looking at themselves in a mirror; an indication of not being self-aware. Some animals pass the mirror test such as elephants which is another reason (as is burying their dead) that shooting them for fun is abjectly cruel.
The only evidence that we need for feline sentience is that they experience emotions and that is now an undisputable fact. Although in years past it was not. And today, sport hunters ignore the fact that they are causing a lot of pain in order to entertain themselves. Strange that. It indicates ignorance and callousness.
Domestic cats, those enigmatic and graceful creatures, subtly reveal their sentience through various behaviors and interactions. Here are some ways in which our feline companions demonstrate their inner world:
- Emotional Expressions:
- Cats feel emotions akin to humans. They experience happiness, sadness, fear, and even jealousy. Observe their body language—the twitch of a tail, the arch of their back, or the gentle purring—these are all glimpses into their emotional state. When your cat curls up on your lap or nudges your hand, they’re expressing their feelings, connecting with you in their own silent way.
- Self-Awareness:
- Despite their inability to communicate verbally, cats possess a sense of self-awareness (note: debatable as mentioned above). Ever notice how they react when they see themselves in a mirror? Some cats recognize their reflection, while others remain indifferent. This self-awareness hints at their sentient nature. They know they exist as distinct individuals in their environment.
- Thoughts and Perceptions:
- Cats have thoughts, although we can’t fully grasp what those thoughts entail. Their curious exploration, strategic hunting, and playful antics reveal a rich inner life. Whether they’re plotting their next pounce or simply contemplating the world from a windowsill, their minds are active and engaged.
- Time Perception:
- Cats perceive time differently from humans. Their internal clocks guide their behaviors—feeding times, play sessions, and napping routines. Their awareness of daily rhythms and patterns underscores their sentience. When your cat nudges you for breakfast at the same hour each day, they’re attuned to time passing. How do cats know their owner is coming home?
In essence, our domestic cats silently communicate their sentience through their actions, emotions, and unique personalities. Cherish these moments—they’re glimpses into a world that transcends mere instinct. 🐾❤️
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