Directed by: R.B. Donaldson

Synopsis: An experimental puzzle box designed by George Plant Horton and Edwin Ray Guthrie at the University of Washington tests cats’ ability to learn and adapt.

Reality Cats: The first cat to go through the puzzle box is a small cream-colored tabby who is called Cat A.

By the fifteenth experiment, Cat A has learned pretty well how to rub against the pole to get out of the box (although to be honest it’s difficult to tell whether the cat is cognizant of the action opening the door or if the movement is merely happenstance.)

In the next series of experiments the pole (and the camera angle) have been changed. A large clock has also been added to mark the time it takes for the cat to figure out how to open the door. This time the cat appears more aware of the relationship between the pole and the door.

During Experiment 41 the poor cat is distracted by the entry door being left open and tries to go out the way they came in. This seems to make the cat forget what they have learned and they struggle to escape, sitting and meowing with confusion. The film cuts off after about a minute and twenty three seconds.

The next time through the cat solves the puzzle in just over twenty seconds. After this the cat continuously solves the puzzle quickly. Throughout the experiments the poor cat is constantly shaking their head as if something is in their ear. Or perhaps the cat is just shaking their head out of wonder at why humans would put them through such an ordeal.

Cat K is then introduced as having already been through forty trials. This tabby and white cat usually solves the puzzle box within five seconds.

The idea of testing cats in a puzzle box appears to have originated with Edward Lee Thorndike. Guthrie and Horton reportedly ran at least 800 escape responses during the course of this work and found the results mostly the same once the cat had learned the behavior. The pair even published a book of their findings.

You can view the entire film at the Internet Archive thanks to A/V Geeks.

Final Mewsings: Cats who are put through experiments prefer to remain anonymous.

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