There was a study done in the University of Brazil in the 1980’s into the early 2000’s done about cats with Language. Cats can learn up to 6 different languages and respond to them. 90% 9f the time they chose to ignore the human speaker.
I'm a dog lover @ heart, but the one pet I had that has the fondest memories for me was a cat I had when I was a young boy. I've thought about that friend my entire life. He holds a special place in my heart.
Mine keeps track of all my movements and gives me the stink eye if I’m home from work ten minutes later than usual 😂 so I would say she cares a little bit about me interrupting the delicate balance of her routine.
I've had firsthand experience with this about 7 times over. Especially my cats who will flick their tails when called (2 more than the others), but outright choose to ignore it.
But they're quick to cuddle up too when you least expect it, so, tradeoffs.
(1) The cat is like an adult roommate that you may or may not have a good relationship with. I have a very good relationship with my orange boy because when he asks for something I give it to him. And when I call out, he comes running. Cats are adults and like human adults, they make a choice ...
(2) based on your prior experiences and whether you reciprocated when they make requests. My tortie girl is a little more thoughtful. She thinks about the request but usually comes when called. And she always greets me when I return home. It's not for food, my wife feeds the cats...
(3) But they ask me for grooming, play, and going outside and I usually respond positively. My little tortie girl is starting to act appropriately to 'later' and 'soon' regarding her request to go outside. She gets very excited with chirps & trills when I ask her if she wants to go outside.
Mine know their names because I will see them turn their heads when I say it. I had to train them with a whistle that means treats so that their greedy butts will come when I call.
The look of betrayal though when it's not treats but pet carrier for the vet instead is hilariously devastating.
That's so me and my cats. They know their names and I see their little ears move when I call them but unless they feel like it that's the only reaction I'll get. I have trained them to come in at night time by offering treats and they'll start hanging around at 6 ish.
Wait… why aren’t you giving them the treat after you’ve got them in the carrier for the vet? Unless they’re about to get a specific test they can’t eat before, I don’t get it? You’re already surprising them with a vet visit, at least follow through with the treat they earned. 🤷♂️
Ah…gotcha. Otherwise I would have felt a bit indignant on the pets behalf. Mine runs into the carrier if he’s in trouble, so it’s been easier(last one was so paranoid, I had to shut every door/escape route before getting the carrier. The second they saw it they’d make a break for it).
I have my cat PTSD with treats for getting in the carrier for the vet. I had to take him a lot to figure out he had diabetes then determine the correct insulin dose. It got to the point he was shaking whenever I would give him a treat. Poor guy...
But didn’t we already know this yet still try to reform them anyway? I mean, think about it-they’re aloof, arrogant, often unapproachable, unappreciative, leave us w/scars n scratches and yet we still go out of our way for them. In human terms, it’s toxic co-dependency - looking for therapist’s #.
Thanks to this article - I started to talk with cats. And it works, they really do understand few words.
Before I was convinced it was useless to talk to them.
The beauty of cats is if you want them to do something you have to convince them it’s in their interest. I find this is easily done with cat treats and a fat bowl of nip.
My cat & I understand speak cat to each other. I've always talked a lot & 5 years ago he started to talk back. He understands the miaow that means "wanna come to my room & have big snuggles & a nap?" He yips & gallops over yes, and has a different sound for "are you fucking kidding me? Go away."
Mein Kater versteht einige Worte nachvollziehbar (Küche, Schlafzimmer, Futter, Raus, Naschen). Auf diese reagiert er entsprechend. Ich hab' ihm das bewußt antrainiert (wie beim Hund), es dauerte natürlich. Aber irgendwann funktionierte und funktioniert es.
Does he look like loves me? I am his 24/7 maid. I took him off the streets, feed him on demand, clean his bathroom, groom him and pet him. He’s as affectionate as a goldfish with claws. Mr T, my boy!
I've always said that dog-lovers want a little subservient slave. Cats are not part of your hierarchy and they definately don't see you are being the top of theirs! But they can love their humans just as much if you earn it.
Just took our girl to the vet for a slightly lame leg. I have never in her life, seen her win over someone so fast. Usually she bites and scratches everyone but the love and affection she showed this vet makes me think she's very aware of the potential consequences here.
That’s about right. Last night I heard a cat scream in distress. It was being chased by a stray dog. Went outside, family rushed outside thinking that it looked like our cat. Then our dogs rushed out and want to help. After much commotion our cat walks calmly out of our house like no fx given. 🤦🏻♀️
I disagree. I have three children. Whenever they were sick the cats would go and lie next to them. Every time. And whenever I’m stressed they know and keep me company.
100 percent they understand. My cats or more than happy to follow some instruction they want to follow. When I say "you wanna go outside" he B lines for the door.
Very funny but I sorta disagree. A buddy has a cat that their person died and he's a lot more loving now.He likes to sleep in his old weiner dog buddys bed. They are jerks though.
I know a semi feral cat. She is the best. She'd even let me belly rub her..when a cat let's you do that you know you've won. Game on! Ruby is her name. She lies within a hidden location in Kent. She's the best fatcat I ever knew.. ironically she's small and skinny
Black cats rule!
How is it masochism? They love you in their own way, they aren't little jerkwads all the time, plus the feeling that washes over you when they contentedly purr on your lap/stomach/chest can really give you a massive sense of relaxation, even more so after a long or bad day.
Some of my 7 cats care...my old man especially. He knows when mom or dad are not happy or not feeling good. He believes his purrs are the cure for everything. They aren't unfortunately but they do help.
I know that is true.
My cat knows the word food and respond to me asking are you hungry.
He does not understand no or stop it, or so he lets on.
cats 🤷♀️
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also I love cats but they just use us and we don’t care bc they’re too cute and that’s ok
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Mhmm, yep, I know you need it urgently.
No, I don’t care, I’m busy.
Bye!
I mean... Hello, fellow hooman.
But they're quick to cuddle up too when you least expect it, so, tradeoffs.
The look of betrayal though when it's not treats but pet carrier for the vet instead is hilariously devastating.
Before I was convinced it was useless to talk to them.
phewww thankgod you're not like other cats
Black cats rule!
My ex never heard me ask for help with a chore, but always heard me ask him if he wanted some, y'know.
They've proved that cats are equal to humans.
“Ahhh, where’s the stuff we like?”
Sadly, my poor wife gets the deaf, sign language
version, whenever she wants him to do anything.
My cat knows the word food and respond to me asking are you hungry.
He does not understand no or stop it, or so he lets on.
cats 🤷♀️