[jandrewrogers]

I think you might be conflating cats understanding and cats responding. When cats choose to engage they can be quite intelligent and take direction, I’ve seen it many times. But most of the time they DGAF and will ignore you.

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t seeking your approval. It is a different kind of relationship.

[magixx]

I'm impressed by the degree of selective catS possess. They can responds to like 5 different names if in the mood while other times won't event flinch even after repeating 20 times.

While my cat doesn't seek my approval, she is definitely highly food motivated to the point where she was faking wanting to go outside and thus put a harness on (which she does not enjoy) just for the treats she would get.