Elena Nahum Leroy

If I were a cat, Darwin’s theory of evolution would need a major update. At the very top of the evolutionary ladder would be cats, undeniably the pinnacle of existence. Cats are sleek, independent, and infinitely smarter than the average human gives them credit for. They’re experts at manipulating their human servants into giving them food, attention, and comfort, often with nothing more than a look or a soft meow. Below cats, but still superior to most creatures, are dogs. While dogs are loyal and often useful—whether in guarding homes or fetching sticks—they simply can’t compete with the pure grace, intelligence, and self-reliance of a cat. Dogs may occupy a middle rung, but they fall far short of the majesty and sophistication of their feline counterparts. Then there are humans, amusing in their technological prowess but ultimately inferior in terms of raw survival instincts. They’ve lost touch with nature, relying too heavily on their gadgets and comforts, which is why they sit just below monkeys on the evolutionary scale.

Monkeys, on the other hand, possess a level of natural instinct and agility that humans have long since abandoned, earning them a more favorable position. They may not have the same technological advancements as humans, but their connection to the natural world, as well as their intelligence and adaptability, places them above humans in my evolution chart. As for the rest of the creatures, they’re less important in the grand scheme of things. Amphibians, for example, occupy the very bottom of the ladder. For a cat, they’re little more than a snack, insignificant in the world of highly evolved beings. While they play a role in the ecosystem, their evolutionary contribution is largely overlooked when compared to the greatness of a cat, who reigns supreme over all.

Collage on wooden board, 20×20 in, 2025