The Best Partners Have Whiskers

I previously wrote about how cats are very intelligent.👇

When people hear the word "intelligent," many might think of dogs.

Some may have the image that cats are fickle, somewhat self-paced, and not all that smart.

However, when you live with them, you realize that cats are extremely intelligent.

There are events every day that make me feel this way.

Yesterday, there was a large earthquake.

The emergency alert on my smartphone went off, and a strong tremor followed immediately after.
That sound makes even humans jump.

My cat clearly remembered that event.

At night, when footage of that moment played on the news and that alert sound rang out again—

The cat suddenly lifted its head and began looking around.

"Is it coming again?"

With that expression, its body stiffened.

It properly remembers what it experienced once,
and stays alert when it hears the same sound again.

That is an impressive learning ability.

And one more thing.

I recently started waking up at 5:00 AM to go running.

Today is the fourth day.

And guess what?

When I try to get up from my futon,
it nimbly jumps onto the futon.

That had never happened before.

This is,
a little playful prank of its own,
saying, "Don't get up yet."

It sensed the change in my routine in just a few days and changed its behavior.

As expected, it observes things well.

Mealtime is the same.

If it's later than usual, it gives a single "meow" with a serious face.

When I look at the clock,
"Oh, that's right. It's time for food."

I am completely managed by it.

It watches our movements closely, and
it even has the cunning to try and sneak into the kitchen the moment I put the dishes away.

There is no doubt that it is plotting various things inside that small head.

Even though it is that smart,
sometimes it acts innocent and sweet,
and gives me a look that seems to see right through me.

It possesses both calculation and innocence at the same time.

That is precisely why it is adorable.

Living together, I am constantly impressed.

I truly believe that cats are not just pets,
but "the best partners" to share life with.