I agree on cats, but I assume you've never owned hounds. Or apes.
I'm to have to agree to disagree with you on the privileged nature of humans. My own experience with animals and with retarded humans leads me to believe firmly that brain structure is destiny. Just as I see a (usually) gradual sloping off of our ability to see the future, I see a gradual sloping off of consciousness, consistent with brain size, structure and health. Language does appear to be a giant step, perhaps one that looks like a cliff to you, but I'm betting it will be accounted for by brain structure -- something that we can see, study, and eventually emulate in A.I.
I agree on cats, but I assume you've never owned hounds. Or apes.
The closest thing to a hound I've owned is a "blue lacy" which was a superior hunting dog by instinct, but not easily trained. I haven't owned an ape, but my husband has sold a few monkeys. They are trainable up to a point according to him.
I'm to have to agree to disagree with you on the privileged nature of humans.
That's fine with me! I have greatly enjoyed the discussion. Thanks again!