Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026
09:43
Reversible Cooling-induced Deactivations to Study Cortical Contributions to Obstacle Memory in the Walking Cat
Published on: December 11, 2017
7.4K
Use of incidentally encoded memory from a single experience in cats
Saho Takagi1, Mana Tsuzuki1, Hitomi Chijiiwa2
1Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
Behavioural Processes
|January 10, 2017
Summary
Cats can recall and use information about "what" and "where" from a single past event. This study shows cats utilize incidentally encoded memories in a food-exploration task.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive ethology
- Animal behavior
- Comparative psychology
Background:
- Previous research established dogs' ability to retrieve incidentally encoded information.
- Understanding feline cognitive abilities, particularly memory, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if cats can retrieve and utilize incidentally encoded "what" and "where" information from a single past event.
- To adapt a food-exploration task, previously used for dogs, to assess feline memory.
Main Methods:
- Cats participated in a food-exploration task involving baited containers.
- An exposure phase allowed cats to interact with containers, followed by a delay.
- A test phase assessed cats' behavior towards containers after the delay and container replacement.
Main Results:
- In Experiment 1, cats explored previously unvisited containers longer than those previously eaten from.
- In Experiment 2, cats preferentially visited and explored a remaining baited-uneaten container.
- Behavior suggests cats retrieved "what" and "where" information, not just associative learning from eating.
Conclusions:
- Cats demonstrate the ability to retrieve and utilize incidentally encoded "what" and "where" information from memory.
- Feline cognitive abilities include recalling details from single past experiences.
- This study highlights the sophisticated memory capabilities in domestic cats.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Storage
452
A schema is a mental framework that helps individuals organize and interpret information. Schemata, formed from previous experiences, influence how we process new information: how we encode it, the inferences we make, and how we retrieve it. For instance, a schema for what a typical classroom looks like might include desks, a teacher's desk, a whiteboard, and students in such an environment. This expectation helps us quickly understand and navigate new classrooms without needing to analyze...
452
01:23Mnemonic Devices
503
Mnemonic devices are cognitive tools that facilitate memory retention by linking new information to familiar patterns or organizational strategies. These techniques are beneficial for remembering complex or lengthy sets of information by simplifying and structuring them in easily retrievable ways.
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...
503
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
2.2K
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or...
2.2K
01:24Implicit Memories
532
Implicit memories, also known as non-declarative memories, are long-term memories that function outside of conscious awareness. These memories influence behavior and skills without explicit knowledge. This type of memory is evident in tasks like playing tennis, snowboarding, and texting. Implicit memory has three subsystems: procedural memory, conditioning, and priming. This type of memory is essential in various activities, from everyday tasks to specialized skills.
One key aspect of implicit...
One key aspect of implicit...
532
01:22Eyewitness Memory
552
Eyewitness memory refers to the recollection of events by someone who has directly witnessed them, often serving as critical evidence in legal settings. This type of memory is commonly used in criminal cases where a witness describes details like a suspect's appearance, clothing, or behavior during a crime. However, despite its perceived reliability, eyewitness memory is prone to significant errors.
One such error is memory distortion, which occurs because human memory does not function...
One such error is memory distortion, which occurs because human memory does not function...
552