Are cats capable of feeling guilty?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (218781)
Walnut Creek, California
August 25, 2024 4:43pm CST
I submit for your consideration the possibility that cats may be capable of feeling contrition.
Yesterday morning, I was stumbling toward Kitty's food bowl with a handful of dry kitty food in my hand.
Kitty walked directly in front of me, as she often does, but this time, she tripped me.
I fell forward, spraying kitty food all over the floor and landing on my guitar amplifier, supported by my left wrist.
There was blood everywhere, but I was more concerned with whether there was a displaced fracture.
There was not.
I iced the injury and carried on. The blood flow eventually abated.
Kitty ran off and banished herself to her outside bed, a small blanket I have placed out there. I think she actually knew that she had caused me injury.
She stayed there for a long time, looking at me apologetically.
When I fed her this morning, she walked further ahead of me and ran outside when she heard the dry food spilling into the bowl.
Do you think cats may be capable of learning? And maybe even showing a bit of guilt/contrition?
16 people like this
18 responses
@kaylachan (69646)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
26 Aug
I do know cats have what's known as assoisitive memory, so they are capable of learning to an extent. They understand that when A happens B will happen. It's not known or believed they experience complex levels of thinking , but when something "bad" happens, they will often hide or avoid the cause.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (69646)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
26 Aug
@TheHorse I don't know if she'll forgive you for that.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218781)
• Walnut Creek, California
27 Aug
@kaylachan She is getting back at me today.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37442)
•
26 Aug
We need to wrap you in a LOT of bubble wrap. That's quite enough accidents, OK? Two times is quite enough!!
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37442)
•
27 Aug
@TheHorse
I will look for some and see if there is such a thing, ok? 
1 person likes this
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
26 Aug
They definitely feel guilt or the cat equivalent. Dookie and Dutchess will both do something they know to be wrong, get in trouble, and then try to make amends. They are cats though and seem to be able to get over it pretty quickly.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (106192)
• Marion, Ohio
26 Aug
Not guilty. But it might have scared her
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (106192)
• Marion, Ohio
26 Aug
Not guilty. But it might have scared her
2 people like this
@andriaperry (116936)
• Anniston, Alabama
26 Aug
Yes I do, mine has done the same thing.
2 people like this
@Tampa_girl7 (50243)
• United States
28 Aug
Our kitty is very intelligent and exhibits many human emotions and behaviors. Thank goodness you weren’t seriously injured.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50243)
• United States
28 Aug
@TheHorse You were very lucky. I fell and caught myself with my left hand and the impact was hard taking all of my body weight. It took forever to heal and my wrist still occasionally bothers me. I was outside and couldn’t stand up or get anyone’s attention. Finally my husband heard me. Not fun.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218781)
• Walnut Creek, California
28 Aug
@Tampa_girl7 Sorry to hear that. I do feel I was lucky.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
26 Aug
I think she might have been more scared than guilty. Have a good week. I'm glad you didn't break anything.
1 person likes this
@pitsipeahie (5015)
•
26 Aug
Looks like Kitty knew she messed up and wanted to give you some space. I know they don't feel guilt in the sense that we humans do but they definitely learn from their experiences. Maybe she’ll be more careful around your feet from now on.
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6117)
• United States
26 Aug
I know my dog knows when he has played too rough or caused an injury somehow--he acts in a contrite manner--though I am pretty sure it is just making sure that I am ok--but yes, animals learn--
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (79833)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
26 Aug
Cats do realize when they have something wrong and will disappear for a while to rethink their mistake, Tish often has moments when she twists around my legs, Luckily she has not made me fall but I do speak to her crossly when she does this, Now she avoids getting near my legs,
