Cats getting caught doing crimes
it takes quite a bit of social intelligence for a creature to understand:
- I know what I am doing is wrong
- I know there is an activity that looks similar that is not wrong
- If I am quick I can plausibly pass one off as the other
these cats are displaying remarkable theory of mind skills by not only registering that the humans can perceive them but actively trying to manipulate that perception! that requires one to be aware that other individuals have complicated interior thoughts of their own, to know that those thoughts are not always based on truth, and to quickly decide on the best possible “lie” for the situation. this is why I despise animal intelligence tasks based on obedience— some of the most clever moments stem from intelligent disobedience.
My precious son will do all manner of asshole activity until he sees a spray bottle in range. The moment I’m holding a spray bottle he is God’s most innocent Angel. ABSOLUTELY cats know what ‘naughty’ is