Dogs Have More Neurons Than Cats: New Study Redefines Intelligence Among Domestic Animals, Challenging Previous Assumptions

For a long time, scientists have gauged animal intelligence by counting neurons in their brains, assuming more neurons equal greater smarts. Cats were previously thought to outsmart dogs, with around 300 million neurons compared to dogs' 160 million. However, a recent extensive study has overturned this understanding of domestic animal intelligence. Researchers analyzed the brains of various animals, including ferrets, mongooses, cats, dogs, hyenas, lions, and brown bears, to determine the actual neuron count. The findings revealed that dogs possess approximately 530 million neurons, surpassing the previously estimated 160 million. Cats, on the other hand, have around 250-300 million neurons. This makes dogs the "neuronal champions" among domestic animals. Scientists emphasize that intelligence isn't solely about neuron count but also the organization within the brain's cortex, which indicates capacity for complex thinking, learning, and behavioral flexibility. Therefore, dogs are likely more intelligent than cats, even if cats might disagree.