Our pets are smarter than we think

[Catherine]

The subject of animal intelligence  is something we think about a lot, especially pet intelligence.
Cats and dogs are especially known for their intelligence. Dogs learn to recognize words and can read emotions. Cats are problem solvers.
Comparing them is difficult because their intelligence is different. Both are smart.

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I think cats do know words, they just pretend not to understand. Cats read emotions, but they don't show it.
Dogs can solve problems, but they prefer to let us do things for them. Like any group some are more clever than others.
I have known people to spell words in front of their pets because they don't want them to know about something like a trip to the vet. 
I wouldn't put it past cats to learn how to spell.

Question, did they become smarter from living with us or did they choose to live with us (with all its advantages) because they were smart.
It is worth thinking about.