Animals, do they know why?

[dwightfry]

I might have, but I don't remember.

[Samurai]

I only have to tell my cat "NO" and she knows whatever it is she's doing, is not allowed. My cat is really intelligent, and I love her to pieces

[Skiz]

BECAUSE

It's a simple cause and effect relationship. If the animal does _____, then ______ happens.

[backlash]

it will usually involve knocking things off shelves.

yep. I know that well, too! Had to take down the xmas cards today since I was tired of having them be knocked over. They know when they are doing things wrong - one listens, the other doesn't care so much and will meow back at me when I say NO. make it so hard to be mad at them, don't they?

[Snee]

I don't hit them or spray 'em with water when they bite, I just push.

If they wanna bite my hand I'll make sure they have a lot of hand to bite. Gets a bit uncomfortable I reckon.
Seems to work.

I kinda' think the distinction between the two options is irrelevant. What the cat registers is that the action entails something displeasureable, and thus he or she won't do it.

I don't think they can make the distinction between causuality and parallel events. All they see is the link, not sure appreciation of linear time is a factor in their lives the same way it is for us.

[TheDave]

the cat bites your arm cos it never learns. cats also suck.