Cats can remember the people who matter to them for months, years, or possibly much of their lives, according to research cited by Futura, upending a widely repeated claim that feline memory lasts only 16 hours.
Experts say that figure likely originates from an animal psychology book published in the 1960s and is not supported by modern studies. They suggest treating it as a myth rather than a fact.
What cats actually remember
A 2013 study by the University of Tokyo, published in the journal Animal Cognition, found that cats can recognise their owner’s voice among the voices of strangers. Notably, they often recognised it without reacting strongly, which the researchers suggested may say more about cats’ attitudes than about their memory.
In 2021, a Kyoto University study found that cats form a mental map of where their owner is based solely on the sound of their voice, meaning cats carry an internal image of their person rather than just a vague sense of familiarity.
Emotions strengthen the memory
Experts agree that cats form genuine long-term memories, especially when emotions are involved. A person linked to strong feelings, whether from feeding, play, or a frightening vet visit, tends to leave a lasting impression.
According to the publication, cats appear to recognise their owners primarily through scent, voice, and daily routine rather than by face, and those associations can persist for months, years, or possibly a significant portion of a cat’s life.
