Can cats count? (as in a number system, or some other way)?

Question

I'm looking for information (references, citations, websites, please) on how cats enumerate, or whatever cats do to keep track of things. For example if a mother cat has a missing kitten it knows that and looks for it. Therefore, cats must have some way to determine that, even if it's just "all here" or "some missing".

So, if you've taken animal behavior courses, or happen to be a feline researcher, let me know!

Thank you.

Answer 1

In a manner of speaking, yes. As you say, a mother with young will know immediately if one is missing. Also, research with lions shows that if one hears the territorial roars of three or fewer rivals, it will respond with roars of its own, whereas if more than three rivals roar, it will keep quiet. They must therefore be able to judge how many rivals they are hearing, and whether or not it is in their interests to respond.

Answer 2

My cat obviously can't count. Every time I ask him for change of a ten he gives me a five and three singles.