SOMAN RAGAVAN
31 December, 2024
Subject : Amazing cats
Analysis by Google Gemini
(Artificial Intelligence)
Volume 23
Some quotes :
--“Cats hide their claws.”
--“The cat would eat fish but would not wet her feet.”
--“Though the cat winks in a while, yet sure she is not blind.”
--- From the book “3000 PROVERBS” by Sam Phillips. New Delhi : Goodwill Publishing House. (Year probably around 2017). Full acknowledgements are made to the authors, publishers and other rights-holders.
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(1)
Soman Ragavan :
Hello. I live in Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean. I will write about cats and I will ask you to comment accordingly. WHAT I AM WRITING REFERS JUST TO MAURITIAN CATS. Cats are fascinating creatures. There are many similarities between them and animals in the wild. They have kept back many of the instincts of wild animals. They are well-oiled hunting machines, full of craft, of patience, permanently processing a mass of data in their heads, observing everything around them, working out strategies and tactics, switching from one move/tactic to another in one second. Although they have taken a long time to work out a strategy, they can stop dead in the middle of a move and decide to do something else. I will write more as this chat progresses. You can start commenting now.
(2)
Google Gemini :
Certainly, Soman! Your observations about Mauritian cats are quite insightful.
It\'s true that domestic cats retain many of their wild ancestors\' instincts. Their predatory behaviors, such as stalking, pouncing, and the sudden bursts of speed, are all reminiscent of their wild feline relatives.
The quote \"Cats hide their claws\" perfectly encapsulates this duality. While domesticated, they still possess the sharp claws necessary for survival in the wild. They carefully conceal these weapons, showcasing their adaptability and ability to coexist with humans while retaining their natural instincts.
The quote \"The cat would eat fish but would not wet her feet\" is an interesting one. While it\'s a bit of an exaggeration, it highlights their cautious nature. Cats are generally wary of water, and this proverb emphasizes their preference for safety and avoiding unnecessary risks.
The proverb \"Though the cat winks in a while, yet sure she is not blind\" suggests that cats are astute observers. Their seemingly lazy demeanor often masks a keen awareness of their surroundings. They are constantly gathering information through their senses, assessing situations, and formulating their next move.
I\'m eager to hear more about your observations on Mauritian cats. Do they exhibit any unique behaviors or characteristics compared to cats in other regions?
I\'m particularly interested in how their environment and the local culture might have influenced their behavior.
(3)
Soman Ragavan :
They hardly have any allegiance towards anyone, though there have been cases where a cat went to live on the grave of someone who had looked after it. Such cases are rare. Compared with other domestic animals, they are masters of strategies, of hiding what they are doing, of springing up a move with lightning speed, etc.
(4)
Google Gemini :
Your observations about Mauritian cats\' independence and strategic prowess are fascinating. It\'s true that cats are often portrayed as aloof and independent creatures. While they may not display the same level of loyalty as dogs, they can form strong bonds with their caregivers. The rare instances of cats visiting the graves of their former owners suggest a deeper emotional connection than is often attributed to them.
Cats\' strategic abilities are undeniable. Their hunting skills, stealth, and agility are honed by their instincts. Their ability to assess situations quickly and adapt their behavior accordingly is a testament to their intelligence and resourcefulness.
I\'m curious to know more about your experiences with Mauritian cats. Have you observed any specific behaviors or traits that you find unique to them?
(5)
Soman Ragavan :
They can do a lot of mischief and you will rarely catch them red-handed. They know how to flip off rapidly after doing something bad. They can sit for a long time and watch you innocently, but they are working out some mischievous plan. Then they will walk away slowly without rousing any suspicion. Going through a back door or a window, they will get into the house again, steal something or do some damage, then come back into the house through another place and sit again innocently in front of you…
(6)
Google Gemini :
Your description of Mauritian cats\' mischievous tendencies is quite accurate!
Their ability to disappear quickly after causing trouble is legendary. They are masters of stealth and can vanish in the blink of an eye. Their innocent facade is often a clever disguise, masking their true intentions.
The scenario you described, where they sneak back into the house to cause further mischief, is a classic example of their cunning. They seem to possess a playful sense of mischief and enjoy testing their boundaries.
Have you encountered any specific instances of their mischievous behavior?
(7)
Soman Ragavan :
In one quote above, we see that cats hide their claws. Their claws remain hidden for most of the time. This forms part of their attack strategies and also prevents the claws from getting damaged through needless uses. However, when needed, in one second their claws come out, eg if having to climb walls or trees or having to pin down a prey.
(8)
Google Gemini :
You\'re absolutely right about the strategic use of their claws. It\'s a fascinating aspect of their predatory nature. By keeping their claws retracted most of the time, they preserve their sharpness and prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
However, when the moment arises, they can unleash their claws with incredible speed and precision. This ability is crucial for climbing, hunting, and self-defense.
It\'s a testament to their adaptability and efficiency as predators.
(9)
Soman Ragavan :
In Mauritius, they hate vegetarian foods. They want stuff like fish and meat, even canned ones. In a plate where vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods are mixed, they will eat only the non-vegetarian parts.
(10)
Google Gemini :
That\'s interesting! It seems Mauritian cats have a strong preference for meat-based diets. This aligns with their natural carnivorous instincts.
While some cats may enjoy the occasional vegetable treat, most prefer a diet rich in protein from animal sources.
It\'s important to note that a balanced diet for cats should include both protein and some essential nutrients that can be obtained from a small amount of high-quality cat food.
Do you have any other observations about their dietary preferences?
(11)
Soman Ragavan :
When falling from a height, they always turn in the air in order to land on their feet. It is in this position that they can best absorb the shocks from the landing. Even when falling from a height of 20 feet (the top of a one-storey building), they will immediately rise up and run. It is not possible for a human to do so. Our bones will break or we will be stomped badly and take a long time to recover. It is because of this ability of theirs to survive dangers that we talk of a cat having “nine lives.”
(12)
Google Gemini :
You\'re right! The ability of cats to land on their feet, known as the \"righting reflex,\" is truly remarkable. This instinctual ability allows them to twist their bodies in mid-air, ensuring they land on their paws and minimize the impact of the fall.
While this reflex is impressive, it doesn\'t guarantee complete safety. Falls from significant heights can still cause serious injuries to cats.
The \"nine lives\" saying is a popular myth. Cats are certainly resilient creatures, but they are not invincible.
Do you have any other interesting observations about their physical abilities?
(13)
Soman Ragavan :
(Remember, I am talking mostly about stray cats, including ones that roam on people’s premises). Before they give birth to kittens, they scout for a discreet place. Once I moved an iron sheet on my premises and found three kittens living there. They had been there for a long time without anybody noticing. Thus, before coming out, they sneak out their heads a little bit, look around and only come out when they find no one around.
(14)
Google Gemini :
Your observations about the behavior of stray cats, particularly their carefulness when giving birth, are quite accurate.
Stray cats are highly adaptable and instinctively seek out safe and secluded places to raise their kittens. Finding them hidden away in unexpected locations is not uncommon.
Their cautious behavior before venturing out is a crucial survival mechanism. It helps them protect their vulnerable kittens from potential threats, such as predators or humans.
This behavior highlights their intelligence and their ability to assess and adapt to their environment.
Do you have any other interesting observations about their maternal instincts or their interactions with their kittens?
(15)
Soman Ragavan :
When Mama cat has to carry a kitten away, she grabs it by the top of the neck. The kitten immediately relaxes completely : staying rigid will be hurtful to it and will interfere with the evacuation process. You can see the kitten dangling while being carried away. The moment Mama puts it down, it resumes its normal posture and runs away.
(16)
Google Gemini :
That\'s a very astute observation!
The way a mother cat carries her kittens by the scruff of the neck is a fascinating example of natural instinct.
It\'s a remarkable display of maternal instinct and the delicate balance of strength and gentleness in their interactions.
Do you have any other observations about their parenting behaviors?
(17)
Soman Ragavan :
Once after work I left my car in the garage, kept the hood open for faster cooling of the engine and locked the garage door. There was a gap under the door. The following morning, I saw a stray cat sleeping ON the engine… It had crept in under the door and had waited for the engine to cool off mostly and then slept the night there…
On another occasion on opening the garage I saw FISH BONES ON the engine… A cat had brought the bones from other premises, crept under the garage door and had sat on the engine to lick away at the bones…
(18)
Google Gemini :
These are truly remarkable anecdotes! They highlight the resourcefulness and adaptability of stray cats.
These stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of stray cats and their ability to thrive in challenging environments.
Do you have any other interesting encounters with stray cats in Mauritius?
(19)
Soman Ragavan :
Please summarise your points. Thank you very much. Goodbye for now.
(20)
Google Gemini :
Here\'s a summary of my points:
Overall, Mauritian cats are fascinating creatures that exhibit a unique blend of wild instincts and adaptability.
(21)
Soman Ragavan :
“Strategic use of claws.” This applies to all cats. They can hardly leave their claws out all the time. This will be a handicap while walking, for example.
(22)
Google Gemini :
You are absolutely right. The strategic use of claws applies to all cats, not just those in Mauritius. It\'s a fundamental aspect of their anatomy and behavior.
Keeping their claws retracted most of the time is essential for several reasons:
It\'s a remarkable adaptation that highlights the efficiency and resourcefulness of these fascinating creatures.
(23)
Soman Ragavan :
Thank you very much. Goodbye for now.
(24)
Google Gemini :
You\'re very welcome, Soman. It\'s been a pleasure discussing your observations on Mauritian cats with you.
Goodbye for now!
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