It’s a cat’s life for some －ある者には猫の生活である－

Until recently, a group of scientists researching animal intelligence believed that dogs were smarter than cats.

Japanese researchers from Kyoto University had performed experiments which showed that dogs could remember some specific events.  The researchers allowed the animals to feed, and the animals demonstrated that they could remember where, and from which bowl, they had eaten.

But this week the scientists announced that cats could also remember some specific events.  They could remember where, and from which bowl, they had eaten too.  And the Kyoto University team pointed out that cats could match dogs in a number of mental tasks, such as reading humans’ gestures and facial expressions.

I don’t know how any fool could really have believed that dogs could be smarter than cats.  Dogs are smart enough to do amazing things for humans: guarding our houses by barking at intruders, joining us in hunts for rabbits or foxes, and even guiding blind people around town.

Cats, of course, are smart enough not to do anything useful for us at all.

There are a lot of animals which don’t do anything useful for humans.  Sharks aren’t known for working hard on behalf of humanity either, for example.  But we don’t cuddle sharks, tickle them under the chin, or send them for an MRI scan if they start feeling unwell.  Pet dogs are sometimes treated to all of these things.  But at least they are putting the work in.  How have the cats managed to get human love and affection, and free health insurance?

That’s smart.

Maybe we all need to learn from cats how to live our lives.  Do nothing to help those around you, but always be stylish, and feel entitled to be supported and pampered by others’ hard work.

British Prime Minister Teresa May understands this well.  She wants Britain to be the pampered fat cat of Europe, paying nothing to the European Union, but getting all of the benefits of membership.

Well at least we’re not trying to be a shark, biting any other country that comes close.  Unlike some recently elected world leaders I could mention...

Meowww!

 

Vocabulary:

an intruder – someone who enters your property without permission

on behalf of – for the benefit of; at the request of

to tickle – to lightly touch someone’s body, in order to cause mild discomfort and laughter

to put the work in – to work hard

to pamper – to indulge with every comfort and attention