Oh yes, mine willbe 10 this year and she can be really stupid as well... But sometimes she surprises me with the things she learns... still.
She has been in this apartment for a little over a year now and she used to hide when she had to puke, but I kind of always tried top grab her and bring her to her place.. Now she doing that all on her own. My male cat never learned that.

Kitty talks a lot as well... sometimes she doesn't shut up at all. Mostly when I am on the phone.

Cats are really great. :)