When the observer is not present, the wave function does not collapse, and the cat remains both alive and dead at the same time, in a state of superposition. But, as soon as the observer arrives, the wave function collapses, and the cat is either alive or dead. This is known as the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
But what happens when the observer is a cat? Does it still collapse the wave function? Or does it just sit there, looking cute?
More on SuperpositionIt's not just about two particles being connected, it's about two particles being in a love affair. One particle is the Romeo, and the other is the Juliet. When one gets excited, the other does too. But, like all love affairs, it's a complicated business.
The Dark Side of Entanglement