Challenge #01799-D338: Jury's Still Out

Fun fact: Cats meow only to communicate with humans (exception: kittens) -- TheDragonsFlame

Most of the Galactic citizenry are not certain about the cogniscence levels of cats. They're on the lowest boundary of mass for hosting a cogniscent mind. They show capacity for creative problem solving. They can learn procedures, so long as they are sufficiently motivated. They show signs of social strata, co-operation, and means of communication. They even attempt communication with non-felines.

They don't meow past kittenhood, unless they are attempting to make their wants known to known cogniscent species. In which case, they have assorted tones and lengths to communicate, at least partially, their needs and desires.

Alas, they do not perform well in standard cogniscent testing.

"Yaaaaarr," complained the cat. It was the feed-me-something howl, as interpreted by a human behind a one-way mirror.

Once again, the test guide tapped their fingers on the obstacle course that the cat had previously been lead through with treats at each intersection.

The cat, as always, was not impressed. Yowling again for their food.

Vocal cues were not allowed. Just signs. Either the cat didn't get it, or the cat much preferred the instant rewards that meowing generally got her.

It took two hours, but the cat eventually sniffed the obstacle course and found her way through the puzzles with an increasingly irritated expression. The food was at the end and in abundance. All the kitty favourites like chicken hearts, little fish, and cooked chicken.

And after that, all was apparently forgiven.

The guide sighed and wrote in their results, Inconclusive.

Again.

[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / stokkete]

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