Sasha, the Tool-Using Cat
Monday July 17, 2006
Guest Article by J. Justin Lancaster, Ph.D.
This story has fascinated me ever since I first read it. While we readily acknowledge the innate intelligence of cats, stories about their use of tools are rare. Sasha had a need, and through observation and reasoning, found a way to satisfy it through the use of tools. And now an excerpt from the story:
I had become curious when I found these small cotton objects in Sasha's water bowl, sometimes two of them. I'd take them out, and then some days later there it would be again. Sasha's water bowl was in the kitchen downstairs, right next to her food dish. I thought perhaps one of my daughters had dropped them there.
One day, somewhere around 1996, I was in the upstairs bathroom; let's just say I was reading. I observed Sasha come in the bathroom and jump up onto the counter next to the sink. She reached over the counter and pulled the drawer open from above, just a few inches. She reached into the drawer and pulled out a scrunchy, which was easy for her because her claws could readily catch the soft, fluffy cotton. She put it in her mouth and carried it off. Fascinated, I hastened after her, a bit surreptitiously, like a private detective.
Readers are encouraged to submit their own stories about tool-using cats, or other examples of observation, reasoning, and follow-through by cats to fulfill needs. Please use the Article Submission form to submit your own stories.
This story has fascinated me ever since I first read it. While we readily acknowledge the innate intelligence of cats, stories about their use of tools are rare. Sasha had a need, and through observation and reasoning, found a way to satisfy it through the use of tools. And now an excerpt from the story:
I had become curious when I found these small cotton objects in Sasha's water bowl, sometimes two of them. I'd take them out, and then some days later there it would be again. Sasha's water bowl was in the kitchen downstairs, right next to her food dish. I thought perhaps one of my daughters had dropped them there.
One day, somewhere around 1996, I was in the upstairs bathroom; let's just say I was reading. I observed Sasha come in the bathroom and jump up onto the counter next to the sink. She reached over the counter and pulled the drawer open from above, just a few inches. She reached into the drawer and pulled out a scrunchy, which was easy for her because her claws could readily catch the soft, fluffy cotton. She put it in her mouth and carried it off. Fascinated, I hastened after her, a bit surreptitiously, like a private detective.
Readers are encouraged to submit their own stories about tool-using cats, or other examples of observation, reasoning, and follow-through by cats to fulfill needs. Please use the Article Submission form to submit your own stories.
Comments
But just what was she using the cotton for? Too much water in the bowl?
I love this story. Folks who don’t own cats don’t know how industrious cat’s are about making up for not having opposable thumbs!! My cats open all the cabinet doors and stay in there in the hot weather, preferring it to air conditioning. I once hid a bag of cat food in the oven (since they found all my hiding places), and woke up to find that they had learned how to open the oven door as well. Aaah, if they only learned how to put food in and do the cooking!!
so- what did she do with it? My cat does the same thing- we find all sorts of things in her water bowl- in the toilet, in the bathtub- I just thought she was crazy!
Jess091870@aol.com
Mila and Jess… you need to click on the story title and read the whole article. Apparently, you have only read the abbreviated selection.
Great story!!!! I love the ingenuity of cats… aren’t they something?!!!
Thanks, Katnapper! I’m always amazed at how many people seem to ignore the linked articles!
cats are very clever and devious……
they are always up to something…….
josie i live in galway ,ireland and i hate it when people say we are devious, it is an insult to all cats, we use our brain to the best of ability to get what we need which makes us clever not devious
millie aged all of 3 years from a lovely sunny yes sunny galway
I agree with some of the others —why did you not tell us what she did with it? Did she just drop it in the water dish because she liked to see it float? I put ice cubes in my cats water dish to entice them to drink. They are hypnotized by watching them float and sometimes they play with them, just like they would if they were outside by a stream and something floated by. Cats are so smart and so much fun!
Cheryl, did you click on the title link and READ the article? If so, yours and the others’ questions would have been answered.
Yes, cats love bits of ice in their water. It’s one of my tips for encouraging them to drink, AND for helping them stay cool in the hot weather.
My red tabby, Morris, uses his tail for a washcloth. He licks the tip until it is nice and wet then uses it to clean his face!!! To me that is like using a tool… I love reading about all the quirky things our cats do. Doesn’t it seem like every cat comes with his/her own unique array or quirks?
my cats are clever and devious…….and certainly am not here to insult my furry friends……..
I am paying them a complement……that is why my close friends Lucy Ricardo Poutine – Orange Tabby and Priscilla Presley Rupunzel….I adore……..they are unpredictable and yes devious……because they like to play…………
I think you should be concerned about retail stores such as Petsmart that offer very little products and services for Cats……….90% of their merchandise are geared towards dog owners……..this is why I hate this store……..and they always…….ask the same question……..DID YOU FIND EVERY THAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR???? THE ANSWER IS NO………YOU HATE THIS STORE.
my cats are clever and devious…….and certainly am not here to insult my furry friends……..
I am paying them a complement……that is why my close friends Lucy Ricardo Poutine – Orange Tabby and Priscilla Presley Rupunzel….I adore……..they are unpredictable and yes devious……because they like to play…………
I think you should be concerned about retail stores such as Petsmart that offer very little products and services for Cats……….90% of their merchandise are geared towards dog owners……..this is why I hate this store……..and they always…….ask the same question……..DID YOU FIND EVERY THAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR???? THE ANSWER IS NO………i HATE THIS STORE.