How long is a cat's memory?

Answer by  JeffDavies (26)

My cat went to live with my parents when I moved abroad. I didn't return for 4 years and he clearly remembered me when I came back. We used to play a game on the stairs and he immediately ran there on seeing me. I can only conclude their memory is for the whole of their life.

Answer by  Srfingfreak (697)

Cats can remember people for a long time, and their instinctual memory reaches back for generations. Short term memory seems to be about 20 minutes.

Answer by  Anonymous

You can teach a cat to use the toilet. (Look it up.) However, if the litter box falls off the toilet during the training process and scares her she will never forget, and will usually refuse to try again. Their long-term memory is long indeed!

Answer by  Anonymous

My cat's long term memory was shocking. When anyone visited my house for more than a few minutes she would react the same way to them returning years later. It was invariable. She particularly remembered if they made her angry.

Answer by  Aubs (1089)

It is unclear exactly how long, but behavioral studies prove that it is somewhat extended. Cats remember things from years before.

Answer by  gunner (40)

A cat might have memory from her early time but usually the only tings that she remember are those who make her happy or hurt her.

Answer by  pintescuvasilegeorgel (30)

They say cats have a very short memory. Mostly true! Cats have a memory for 16 hours, more than some primates! Because cats do not retain things for long, appeared myths according to which cats can not be trained or learned to do things. On the contrary, cats can learn to come to order, in order to settle .

Answer by  poodlegirl (142)

I believe cats have very long memories. They learn quickly, especially if it is a negative lesson. In Russia it is commonly understood that cats are very trainable. They even have cat circuses. This seems to imply at least, that the cat can remember the tricks and their order. I think all animals remember more then we think.