Cat insight
It suddenly occurred to me why cats instantly learn that food is associated with a particular sound—a can opening (and soon the sound of the drawer holding the can opener), a rustle of a kitty-food bag or kitty-treat bag, whatever: they hear the sound, get the food, and by God they know that link, right now.
It’s because cats hunt by hearing: sound is their primary tool in finding food. It’s a very natural and easy link for them to make because they’re primed for it: hear the rustle of a leaf, pounce on it, and lunch—and forever after know that sound means a possible lunch.
Dogs are pretty much the same. Our Briard, Asta, could hear the sound of the plastic wrap coming off a piece of cheese, even from upstairs. She could also hear the sound of the first bite into an apple or a pear, and would coming rushing down the stairs.
Steve
5 December 2011 at 4:10 am