this post was submitted on 17 Dec 2023
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Do they have object permanence? They may understand that when we clean and throw it away, it leaves with trash. Whether they understand the concept of trash and things entering and leaving the home, and whether there is a universe where we go besides the vet, are all separate questions. I'd wager they understand we get rid of it, however much they understand when we make food appear
Pretty sure mine understands that I have to remove it, he moans at me as soon as he goes and he isn't a particularly smart cat.
I've seen cats cry to have their litter box cleaned. At least some of them definitely know.
Oh absolutely! Mine tells me when she needs something, and walks me over to it. Dirty litter, empty water or food, toy stuck somewhere.
Just curious if they understand the concept of things leaving their purview and still existing.... Wait.. as I'm writing this... If they know to go find things, they must understand the concept of taking things away from a space.. right??
They'd be very bad at setting up ambushes if they didn't have object permanence. They seem to have a pretty good idea of what's in their territory.
🤦 right of course