What I find most telling about this article is its insistence that animal intelligence should mimic that of humans or be measured by blind obedience. Cats do problem-solve and communicate as effectively as dogs, but not in ways these scientists would like them to. We can reference the numerous stories of cats saving their families from disasters like fire: http://www.clickorlando.com/family/5998305/detail.html ; http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x5994906 ; http://www.catchannel.com/news/2008/10/16/cat-saves-family-from-fire.aspx These are a few among many, many stories of cats doing a great service to humans.
We also cannot forget the service of cats during the European Black Plague, which was caused by fleas from rodents. Cats are equals to dogs, just different. I am a fan of both, although I have usually chosen to be a staff member for a cat rather than a dog owner for most of my adult life.
Good article. thank you for sharing it, NDO.
