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I can see some evolutionary advantages for a predatory animal like the cat in being able to subitize[1] (I suppose cats are also small enough to be prey themsel

I can see some evolutionary advantages for a predatory animal like the cat in being able to subitize[1] (I suppose cats are also small enough to be prey themselves historically, so just as useful to count threats as opportunities). My cat like to turn on my bathroom faucet to play with the water, and will often unscrew the drain stopper once he's bored with that. I have to keep the drains closed and wire ties on the taps... 1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subitizing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subitizing

fineline 9y ago
Historically? Round us, there are various predators (wild and feral) that would happily feed on a cat - hawks, owls, goannas, snakes, foxes, wild dogs. Mainly nocturnal, we keep our cats in at night (so they don't prey on native nocturnals themselves too). Plus our dogs roam the home yard, which helps keep predators at bay. We've had sheep killed though, and chickens, plus a rabbit that only has one ear left. People sometimes talk about a "natural death" as if it is some kind of peaceful alternative - but most deaths in nature involve being eaten alive by another animal.