Humans are vainglorious. Just because they are using messaging apps like Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, Wechat, etc. they believe that they are much smarter than animals.
Nothing could not be further from the truth… Way before the advent of the cell phone, beasties have been communicating with means that are much more sophisticated than our pathetic little apps.
Scents are their invisible communication tool. Like cover intelligence agents, animals use “dead drops”. They surreptitiously leave encrypted messages in some selected spots and depart the scene with the same discreet way. Recipients retrieve their messages (sometimes in the dead of night) and respond, always with invisible ink.
Once outside, she first inspects the front of the house. She carefully sniffs every bush to see if there is any message. If she finds one, she reads it carefully with her nose. The more intricate the message, the more she concentrates.
Then she goes to the back of the house for the same meticulous inspection. No bush, flower or tree is left unchecked.
“Clearly, animals know more than we think, and think a great deal more than we know.” ― Irene M. Pepperberg
Message retrieving is important to my beastie. If I thwart her routine she gets understandingly upset and will show her displeasure by biting or scratching me, or both. I don’t hold a grudge; I understand the importance of keeping in touch with friends and acquaintances.
Once she has checked her mail, she goes for a nap because you cannot make a good decision without sleeping on it. And sleep she does. Probably ten hours a day…
“I’ve met many thinkers and many cats, but the wisdom of cats is infinitely superior.” ~ Hippolyte Taine
So Silicon Valley hotshots don’t believe for a minute that you know best. Animals have untapped knowledge of and could teach you a thing or two.
Alain
PS: my cat is available for consultation