TELL us something we DON'T know!
Research has come up with the fact that people with cats are likely to be more intelligent than dog owners.
However,researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK say that the superior intelligence of cat owners is unlikely to be caused by their exposure to their clever and manipulative pets.
It's just that more educated people tend to work longer hours and choose a pet to fit their lifestyles. Unlike dogs, cats require no walking and can manage with little human company.
Dr Jane Murray, Cats Protection Lecturer in Feline Epidemiology, who led the study, said: "We don't think it is associated with income because that was one of the variables we looked at, and there was little difference.
"Cats require less time per day than a dog, so they are more popular with educated people who work late and have long commutes."
Homes with degree-holders were 1.36 times more likely to have a cat than other households. The same homes were less likely to have a dog than households where no-one went to university.
The study, published in the Veterinary Record journal, also found that cat owners were more likely to be older and female. Both cat and dog owners were more likely than the general population to live in households with gardens in rural areas.
The popular myth of cat intelligence was dented last year with the publication of a study showing that they did worse than dogs at a simple reasoning task. Cats presented with two pieces of string, only one of which was attached to a food reward, could not tell which one to pull for their treat.
Research has come up with the fact that people with cats are likely to be more intelligent than dog owners.
However,researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK say that the superior intelligence of cat owners is unlikely to be caused by their exposure to their clever and manipulative pets.
It's just that more educated people tend to work longer hours and choose a pet to fit their lifestyles. Unlike dogs, cats require no walking and can manage with little human company.
Dr Jane Murray, Cats Protection Lecturer in Feline Epidemiology, who led the study, said: "We don't think it is associated with income because that was one of the variables we looked at, and there was little difference.
"Cats require less time per day than a dog, so they are more popular with educated people who work late and have long commutes."
Homes with degree-holders were 1.36 times more likely to have a cat than other households. The same homes were less likely to have a dog than households where no-one went to university.
The study, published in the Veterinary Record journal, also found that cat owners were more likely to be older and female. Both cat and dog owners were more likely than the general population to live in households with gardens in rural areas.
The popular myth of cat intelligence was dented last year with the publication of a study showing that they did worse than dogs at a simple reasoning task. Cats presented with two pieces of string, only one of which was attached to a food reward, could not tell which one to pull for their treat.
The picture above is from Margaret Sherry's Cross Stitch Gallery.
Makes sense. It's kind of unfair to have a dog if you're never around.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Liz. I know Carlton did not approve this publication though.
ReplyDeleteOf course we are smarter, we know what the perfect pet is.:)
ReplyDeleteWell of course cat peeps are smarter than dog peeps! We don't need no study to tell us that. :)
ReplyDeleteIntelligence has different measures for different purposes. Cats are tool users and people are tools. Therefore, I am a tool.
ReplyDeleteI know my place on the intelligence chain. ~grin~ I still like dogs, too, and enjoyed their company in my childhood with a proper yard.