Before we begin to explain what cats see when they look in the mirror, it's worth remembering that humans and animals perceive the world differently.
While humans rely primarily on vision among all the senses available to them, cats rely primarily on hearing and smell.
So when a cat stares at its reflection in the mirror, it doesn't realize that it's itself that it's seeing.
For him, the mirror is an extension of space, and his own reflection is another cat.
At the same time, the furry (or not) stranger does not emit any smell, it does not make any sounds, and therefore your pet soon loses interest.
However, for some particularly curious pets, the mirror is a very exciting toy, and they can scratch the reflective surface, meow long and drawn out, or spend a lot of time watching the reflection.
However, sooner or later they will also get bored with one-sided “communication” with such a taciturn friend.
The conclusion is simple: cats, although they see themselves in the mirror, do not realize that the reflection is themselves.
