30 Times Pets Surprised Their Owners By Showing Just How Intelligent They Can Be

Intelligence is relative and can vary greatly from individual to individual, even within the same species, Yulia Popyk, an animal behavior expert from Petcube, told Bored Panda in an interview. “That said, some experts believe that dogs are generally more intelligent than cats, although both species are capable of learning new things and forming complex relationships with humans and other animals.”

According to her, one way to measure intelligence in animals is through cognitive testing, which assesses an animal’s ability to remember and apply information. “However, these tests are not always accurate and should not be used as the sole gauge of an animal’s intelligence,” she added.

There are many stories of pets sensing when their owner is ill and even helping them to get help, which we may certainly interpret as a sign of intelligence and empathy. Yulia recounted one story of a dog who alerted his owner to a fire in the middle of the night and saved his life. “When pets feel that their owner is not feeling their best, pets may show signs of stress, such as panting, pacing, or whining,” she said.

On the other hand, there is no definitive answer as to whether pets can understand their owners in a way that, let's say, would save them or comfort them if they’re going through rough times. “Pets are individuals with their own unique personalities and behaviors. Some pets may be more attuned to their owners’ emotions and may be more likely to sense when something is wrong, while other pets may not be as aware,” she said.

Yulia added that if you think your pet may be sensitive to your emotions, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist to get their professional opinion. She also noted that all pet owners should consider the emergency pet insurance, “Emergency Fund.”

Although Yulia believes that intelligence not only is subjective, but varies greatly from one individual to the next, even within the same breed, it mostly depends on people’s personal preferences. “Some people might say that breeds like the border collie or the poodle are more intelligent, while others might say that smaller breeds like the Chihuahua or the Yorkshire terrier are more intelligent. Same with cats, some believe that breeds such as Siamese and Birman cats are more intelligent than others, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim,” she explained. Yulia concluded that ultimately, it is up to the owner to determine which breed is more intelligent based on their own personal experiences.

Training, however, is one way to get your pet the skills and knowledge that we could attribute to intelligence. “Different trainers may have different methods and goals when it comes to training pets. Some trainers may focus on teaching tricks or obedience commands, while others may work on behavioral modification or socialization,” Yulia said.

“The best way to train a pet for intelligence will vary depending on the animal’s species, age, and individual personality. However, some basic tips that may be helpful include providing the pet with stimulating toys and activities that encourage problem-solving and mental agility and offering rewards for correct responses to commands or tricks. Training sessions should be kept short and consistent and should focus on positive reinforcement rather than punishment,” the pet behavior specialist explained.

“Ultimately, the goal of training is to help the pet better understand and respond to the cues and commands of their human guardians. This can help the pet to lead a happier and more enriched life, as they are better able to communicate and interact with the people and animals around them.”