I was intrigued this week to read a study conducted in Japan to try to determine whether cats can recognize their own names.
Clearly, as a species they are unique in how they behave. They’re very clearly not dogs. Some of my favorite comics ever have focused on them. One, as I recall it, shows a cat walking along the top of a fence, while two dogs watched from below. One dog turned to the other dog, and asked most sincerely, what do cats want? (Dogs apparently don’t find it intuitive, either.)
The comic resonated with me because it articulates what our species sometimes wonders, as well. I know some things that they want. At least, sometimes. Except when they don’t want that. Or they want something else more, whatever that is.
More below.
Top Comments recognizes the previous day's Top Mojo and strives to promote each day's outstanding comments through nominations made by Kossacks like you. Please send comments (before 9:30pm ET) by email to topcomments@gmail.com or by our KosMail message board.
Yet another comic said:
Thousands of years ago, cats were revered as gods.
Cats have not forgotten this.
(Sorry, I have not managed to locate either of the two comics I remember, for linking. Similar ones but not the exact ones.)
The article I read a couple of days ago, by Malcolm Ritter, said:
Atsuko Saito of Sophia University in Tokyo says there's no evidence cats actually attach meaning to our words, not even their own names. Instead, they've learned that when they hear their names they often get rewards like food or play, or something bad like a trip to the vet. And they hear their names a lot. So the sound of it becomes special, even if they don't really understand it refers to their identity.
Who knows? Maybe they do know that it refers to their identity?! I don’t know how Dr. Saito would be able to further refine the test. And cats aren’t telling!
I am happy to have the information, but I’m not sure that it answers much for me. I just know that I love them, and I love their uniqueness, and I love their presence in my life. They bless me, even if they don’t know the sound of it.
On to tonight’s comments! Formatted by my special friend, brillig!
TOP COMMENTS
Brillig's ObDisclaimer: The decision to publish each nomination lies with the evening's Diarist and/or Comment Formatter. My evenings at the helm, I try reeeeallllyy hard to publish everything without regard to content. I really do, even when I disagree personally with any given nomination. "TopCommentness" lies in the eyes of the nominator and of you, the reader - I leave the decision to you. I do not publish self-nominations (ie your own comments) and if I ruled the world, we'd all build community, supporting and uplifting instead of tearing our fellow Kossacks down. Please remember that comment inclusion in Top Comments does not constitute support or endorsement by diarist, formatter, Top Comments writers or DailyKos. Questions, complaints or comments? Contact brillig.
From brillig:
In Laura Clawson’s Trump administration digs in for a fight over Donald's tax returns, GrouchySquirrel began an important thread about just how important that release is.
Highlighted by cminus:
Is this comment by Navy Vet Terp, on the unconscionable laws being enacted by Republican legislators, validating (and reinforcing!) bigotry and discrimination.
Highlighted by claude:
Is this comment by GrouchySquirrel, advocating a strategy for Democratic lawmakers to visit prison camps for migrant children.
Highlighted by artmartin:
Is this comment by pasadena beggar, with a funny suggested revision for the First Commandment!
TOP MOJO
Top Mojo for yesterday, April 7th 2019, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on FAQing Top Mojo.
Top Pictures
Top Pictures for yesterday, April 7th 2019. Click any picture to be taken to the full comment or picture. Thank you jotter!