are cats self aware

are cats self aware

59 minutes ago 2
Nature

Cats generally do not pass the traditional mirror test for self-recognition, which means they do not show clear signs of recognizing themselves visually in mirrors. However, this does not necessarily mean that cats lack self-awareness entirely. They demonstrate complex behaviors such as having distinct preferences, territorial awareness, problem-solving skills, and memory usage, which suggest a form of self-perception different from the human visual self- recognition model. Cats rely more on senses like smell and touch rather than vision, so the mirror test, which is visually based, may not accurately reflect their self-awareness. Their reactions to mirrors often show curiosity, indifference, or sometimes aggression, indicating they may perceive their reflection as another cat or an unknown object rather than themselves. Moreover, some alternative methods and observations suggest cats possess cognitive complexity and an inner life rich with memories and individual preferences, indicating a nuanced kind of self-awareness. In summary, while cats do not appear to be self-aware by the standard mirror test, their behavior and cognition suggest they have a different and sophisticated form of self-perception that science has yet to fully understand.

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