I believe they already understand a lot. Definitely much more than this question allows them to, and way more than people usually give them credit to. The topic of animals’ intelligence is fascinating, because, if we dive into it a bit deeper, we will discover that we are not the only intelligent beings on this Earth.
Take apes or dolphins with their intricate social structure, the fact that the apes can even be taught to talk with us using gestures or pictures (I’ve also read that bonobos talk with each other on down to Earth subjects). Moreover, all mammals and some birds have a good emotional intelligence, they are not moving, unthinking objects, they make strategies, they care about each other, they are able of deep affections, and empathy, and you don’t need to have a biological, zoological or veterinarian background, it’s enough for us to live near them, to interact with them to see their intelligence, empathy, curiosity and care. If we have pets, we usually get to know from veterinarians that they are falling into depression sometimes, or have panic attacks, or symptoms that are very close to PTSD (ask any vet). Guess how complex their emotions must be.
You see how they open doors, fridges, and complicated strategies they use to get what they want. How precisely they communicate their wishes. Haven’t you seen how your dog or cat worried and approached you with care when you are sad or ill? How do they listen to you? It is not humanizing, it is what we share as mammals. Look at the gentle and caring mammal and bird moms (not these shock content staged videos some psychopaths make for money).
I have two cats personally, and I assure you: they have feelings, intelligence and, definitely, a soul. I don’t need to teach them to understand, they already do. I think that humanity should finally understand and acknowledge the complexity of their minds.
Coconut Doesn't Exist 