Cats have very good memory, both short-term and long-term. Their short-term memory, especially concerning things important to them like food, can last about 16 hours, which is better than many other animals, including dogs. Cats also have excellent long-term memory and can retain knowledge and memories for life, particularly when those memories are tied to important events or stimuli. They remember people, places, and experiences, including both positive and negative ones. Cats use their memory to recognize familiar scents, sounds, and faces and can even remember specific events in detail, which helps them adapt and survive in their environment. Older cats may develop memory issues similar to dementia in humans, but generally, their memory is very strong and selective.