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loudsue

(14,087 posts)
1. The beginning of self-realization and/or narcissism?
Sat Mar 2, 2013, 10:43 AM
Mar 2013

I love it. I love cats of all stripes (& spots) !!!

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
8. Video descriptions says:
Sat Mar 2, 2013, 01:36 PM
Mar 2013
...To record the reactions of wild animals in front of a mirror 120x180 cm, Xavier and Michel have installed this intruder in a forest a few miles south from the equator line, near Nyonié in Gabon...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabon

Cracklin Charlie

(12,904 posts)
5. I hung a mirror outside on my porch.
Sat Mar 2, 2013, 12:07 PM
Mar 2013

Almost every spring for years now, a robin (can't possibly be the same one, could it?) sits on the baker's rack next to the mirror, and stares at himself all day in the mirror. Sometimes he will kind of fly at his reflection, kind of like the cat did in the mirror; not in a menacing way, just flutters toward the reflection.

I always think he has fallen in love with his reflection. It kind of ticks me off, because he starts his courting of himself very early on a Saturday morning.

Cool video.

Nay

(12,051 posts)
11. Actually, he probably sees the reflection as a male rival in his territory. My DIL had a robin do
Sat Mar 2, 2013, 05:00 PM
Mar 2013

this with her glass door every spring. They think it's another robin.

countryjake

(8,554 posts)
19. We had a male Towhee go ape-shit with his reflection...
Sun Mar 3, 2013, 02:51 AM
Mar 2013

in the side view mirror on our car, one winter. The first few weeks he was at it, I was afraid that he might bang his little brains out on the glass. Only reason he eventually gave up was the arrival of Spring, when he found a mate and nesting began.

exxo1111

(55 posts)
6. Cat may not be sure what it it
Sat Mar 2, 2013, 12:32 PM
Mar 2013

I don't think he's sure what it is - at the end, he's becoming aware that it is not another cat - not sure he realizes its himself

Bucky

(53,928 posts)
16. I'm telling you; they're dummies. He probably thinks it's a big television.
Sun Mar 3, 2013, 01:11 AM
Mar 2013

Right, as if someone's gonna put a widescreen in the middle of a rainforest. Even with bigger heads than housecats, these animals just don't think things through too good.

I am sooo glad Charles Darwin invented evolution so we wouldn't have to be that stupid ourselves.

2naSalit

(86,307 posts)
9. Cool
Sat Mar 2, 2013, 02:18 PM
Mar 2013

I have had the pleasure of the company of many cats in my life and they almost all do the same thing when they encounter a large mirror. They must be able to see their reflections in water at some point or another so this may not be a total surprise... but it sure is a case of a cat's curiosity having a hard time being satisfied. I'd love to know what's going on its mind during the episode.

Thanks for posting that. I really needed a mental floss diversion.

pasto76

(1,589 posts)
12. there are actually hallmarks of being self aware. batting a reflection is not one of them
Sat Mar 2, 2013, 07:41 PM
Mar 2013

felines are highly visual. the first cat would look, but not concerned because he/she couldnt hear or smell it moving. 2nd cat displays some classic play moves, and shockingly the reflection does them too.

very, very cool video

lostcat

(11 posts)
13. nice cats
Sat Mar 2, 2013, 10:41 PM
Mar 2013

that's pretty cool. wish people could have large wild cats as pets. wish they didn't want to eat us

Bucky

(53,928 posts)
15. Oh God, those leopards are stupid! I can't believe we evolved from idiots like them.
Sun Mar 3, 2013, 01:07 AM
Mar 2013

How embarrassing. Hey, you dumb cat. That's YOU in the mirror. What a dumbfuck.

 

another_liberal

(8,821 posts)
17. I found myself thinking about . . .
Sun Mar 3, 2013, 01:47 AM
Mar 2013

I found myself thinking about the beginning of, Two Thousand One: A Space Odyssey. That part when the early Ape/Men are attracted to the alien obelisk. Fascinating!

Thank you, formercia, this is a truly great video. I'll pass it on to friends.

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