I saw the cat right away. I think people who are use to looking for game do find things quicker, but the big thing is having the frame of reference in your mind.

My wife always says things like "get my moose eyes on" or "get your deer eyes on". It is accurate as you have to have yourself in tune for the game when you are spotting. I have seen people who could not see moose or elephants because they were not looking with the right frame of reference for size and color etc............ even though the animal was obvious to others around them.