When humans leave the house, we can’t help but glance in the mirror on our way out. We know that our reflection is looking back at us, showing us how others will see us. Yet, when cats look in the mirror, they often get scared, curious, or indifferent about the feline looking back at them. So, do cats have a sense of self in the same way that we do?
Do Cats Have a Sense of Self?
Research suggests that cats don’t recognize themselves in the mirror. Even cats who react to their reflections might not realize that they’re looking at themselves. Scientists discovered this by conducting a “mirror self-awareness test.”
A 1970 study by Gordon Gallup put this topic to the test. While several animals were sedated, researchers kept them next to a mirror and placed a red dot on their head. Then, they noted how each animal reacted to seeing their reflection as they woke up.
If the animal woke up and saw their reflection, scientists claim that they’d reach right for the unfamiliar spot of color on their body if they recognized themselves. Only the animals who did that action passed the test. Yet, very few animals passed, and cats weren’t one of them.
So, cats might be able to see themselves in the mirror, but it’s unlikely that they realize who they’re looking at. Perhaps they think they’re looking through a window at another cat, but it’s difficult to know for certain since our felines can’t tell us.
Can Any Animals Acknowledge Themselves in the Mirror?
There were a few animals that passed the test, most of which were primates like apes, gorillas, orangutans, and bonobos. A few other species that passed the test included dolphins, elephants, and magpies. Some animals showed slight signs of awareness too, such as pigs, crows, and some monkeys.
Humans were tested as well to find out what age we gain a sense of self. Results showed that humans normally don’t pass the test before 18 months old. Before that age, they usually react to their reflection with curiosity or by simply avoiding it.
So, just because cats don’t understand mirrors doesn’t mean they’re not intelligent. Some animals might understand a sense of self in a different way than this study examined. After all, every animal species behaves differently from the others. Plus, having a sense of self isn’t the same as being smart.
It’s suggested that some animals and humans might notice the dot on their head, but they don’t care enough to wipe it off. Also, it’s noted that this study might not be fair for animals who rely heavily on senses besides sight, like how dogs and cats rely mostly on smell. Thus, the only one who can give you a real answer to this question is your own furry friend. If only that was possible!
While cats and dogs didn’t pass in this study, we still know that our own pets are the most loving, charming animals on the planet. Yet, we’ll never stop wondering what they think about when they see themselves in a mirror.