Octopuses are remarkably intelligent animals, with cognitive abilities said to approach that of some small mammals. They can solve complex tasks, use tools, play, and even collaborate with other species in hunting. Their brains are highly developed, sometimes showing complex behaviors not found in other octopus species. Octopuses have about as many neurons as a cat or dog, with a unique brain structure where about half of their neurons are distributed in their arms, allowing for complex multitasking. They can recognize individual humans, navigate mazes, solve puzzles, and demonstrate foresight and planning. Their intelligence appears to have evolved independently from vertebrates and may involve genetic traits linked to learning and memory.