Researchers have deemed that in this current climate of 2017, the one thing we absolutely must know is if cats or dogs are the smarter species. Yeah, it’s silly—but admit it: You want to know. And, sorry not sorry cat people, dogs are objectively smarter.
This conclusion was brought to you by researchers at Vanderbilt, who looked at the number of cortical neurons in the brains of dogs and cats. Dogs had 530 million cortical neurons, while cats only had 250 million. “I believe the absolute number of neurons an animal has, especially in the cerebral cortex, determines the richness of their internal mental state,” says Suzana Herculano-Houzel, associate professor of psychology and biological sciences at Vanderbilt.
“Our findings mean to me that dogs have the biological capability of doing much more complex and flexible things with their lives than cats can,” she adds. Burn.
Here’s to all us dog people who were constantly told that cats were smarter. Vindication is here. Share with all the cat people you know sans shame.
