sciencetech-blog

Read each of the following questions and rate your pet according to the scale below.

This is best done on a cat you've had for a while, rather than one who's only just come into the family.

And don't worry, while we use 'him' throughout, it works for female cats, too.

Rating scale:

Never – 1

Seldom – 2

Often – 3

Usually – 4

Always – 5

Question 1: Does your cat keep its tail flat on floor when eating?

Question 2: Is your cat able to follow moving objects with his eyes only, without moving his body?

Question 3: Does he show awareness of odours in his immediate surroundings, ie, does he either like or dislike the smell of perfumes, medicines, lotions, other animals, etc?

Question 4: Does he favour one front paw over the other and use this favourite paw for various activities such as washing his face, playing with toys or grasping objects?

Question 5: Does he show preference for specific objects — a favourite pillow, toy or blanket, for instance?

Question 6: Does he enjoy being touched around the neck, back and face — especially stroking or petting?

Question 7: Does he react to rhythm and music — for example, does he like sitting on a radio or piano, moving in time to the music by rocking, dancing or twitching his tail?

Question 8: Is he aware of the passing of time, such as being able to predict or anticipate when certain people will leave or return home?

Question 9: Can he predict a change in the weather — eg, does he hide before a storm or stay close to the fireplace before a cold snap?

Question 10: Does he show his feelings, such as jealousy, love or worry, towards other animals or humans in the house?

Here, you'll be testing what your cat does rather than just observing him. If he does more than one thing, circle each one and add all the scores together.

You'll need some materials, including string, a thick rubber band and a bell or something else that makes a ringing noise.

TEST 1: Touch your cat gently on his back with a finger or pencil. What does he do?

Ripples or moves back fur – 2 points.

Shakes fur – 2 points.

Licks spot touched – 4 points.

TEST 2: Pull a piece of string across the floor in front of your cat. What does he do?

Watches with his eyes – 2 points.

Touches with nose – 2 points.

Grabs with paw – 4 points.

TEST 3: Ring a bell or tap a glass with a knife to make a soft ringing noise behind your cat. What does he do?

Moves or twitches ear(s) – 2 points.

Turns head around partly – 2 points.

Turns head around completely to see where the sound comes from – 4 points.

TEST 4: Place a thick rubber band on the floor 2-4in (5-10cm) in front of your cat. What does he do?

Touches it with paw – 2 points.

Touches with nose – 2 points.

Begins to chew band – 2 points.

Picks up band with paw – 4 points.

Transfers band from paw to paw – 4 points.

This is a bonus round. Simply read these three statements and see if your cat can do them. If he can, add the points to the final score.

Question 1: Can your cat sit, stand or roll over upon request? If so, add 4 points.

Question 2: Is your cat able to balance on his hind legs for at least five seconds? If he can, add 4 points.

Question 3: Has he learned to use the bathroom toilet rather than a litter box? If he has, add 4 points.

This is the opposite of Section C — this time we're taking off points for less than intelligent behaviour! Again, read these statements. If they apply to your puss, deduct the requisite number of points from your total so far.

Question 1: Does your cat go to sleep on a ledge and fall off while asleep? If so, deduct 1 point.

Question 2: Does your cat constantly sit, stand, step or sleep in his food dish? If he does, deduct 1 point.

Question 3: Does your cat continually walk or run into doors? If so, deduct 1 point.

Now add together all the points your cat has accumulated and compare them to the chart below.

Test Your Cat, The Cat IQ Test by E. M. Bard (Harper-Collins, £4.99).

Under 29 — Below Normal

Cats in this range often need special assistance or they may not be able to cope with their usual routine. But spending extra time helping them will pay off and lead to considerable improvement.

30-36 — Low Normal

These cats may need extra time or experience to realise their potential. Their scores often improve as they get older and more mature.

37-47 — Normal

Usually well liked by their owners, these cats are sociable and have developed ways to cope with life's daily frustrations.

47-53 — ABOVE Normal

These pets display commonsense, strong social skills and a better-than-average ability to communicate.

53- 59 – Superior

Quite clever and able to grasp new information quickly. They adjust quickly to changing situations and know how to get the attention and approval of their owner.

ABOVE 60 – GENIUS

Gifted and extremely bright, they com-municate well — often having a strong relationship with their owner. These pets tend to be attractive, mature, healthy and stable.