Communicating With Animals: Does Your Pet Understand You?
I never understood the expression, "dumb animal". My hackles definitely go up when I hear anyone referring to them in that manner! I emphatically believe our cats are highly gifted with a rather astronomical IQ. I swear they can read my mind and so often respond to my yet unspoken thoughts.
For instance, when I begin walking in the direction of the fridge to get Hubble's daily medication, no matter what time of day, he immediately takes off in a blur of white fuzz, often leaving me totally frustrated with a plastic bag in my hand.
When I am just considering doling out some kitty treats, both of our cats are at my feet, looking up at me with that manipulatively loving expression, eyes sparkling. I swear they are smiling at me and follow up with several eye blinks which melt my heart. Kitty kisses are so precious. But I must emphasize that while they are behaving in this manner, there is nothing in my hand, nor have I removed the treats from the drawer in which they are stored.
While I am completely convinced that they have ESP down pat, I started thinking about whether they actually understand spoken language. So, of course, I had to start researching what some of the more scientific conclusions which may have been published on this topic.
As I delved more deeply into my investigation, I was reminded that during the 1970s, researchers were able to teach Chimpanzees to read and use sign language. While of course they do not have vocal cords which permit understandable verbal speech, they definitely possess the brain power which enables them to communicate their thoughts and feelings very clearly. Dogs can easily learn and respond to a rather large number of spoken commands, and parrots are quite adept at learning how to speak human words. Unfortunately we have no way of knowing if they really understand the words they are speaking.
Cats are certainly capable of learning their names, and if they are in the mood will come when called. In my over 40 years of living with felines, I am absolutely positive that they do know the words, "no" and "get down" but choose to ignore them most of the time. That is just the essential nature of the cat! Many people think they own their cat, but truly passionate cat people are hip to the real deal . . . they own us.
I discovered a children's book, "I'll teach my dog 100 words", written by Michael Frith, and noticed how the title alone clearly demonstrates how "dog people" enjoy bragging about canine intelligence. Stanley Coren, a human psychologist who has done extensive research on canine intelligence suspects that the average trained dog is capable of learning at least 160 words, rivaling the verbal skill of a human toddler. And while I could not find any scientific study on the number of words that a cat can understand, according to Wiki Answers, "cats rule". It is thought that cats respond mainly to voice inflection and also to clicker training.
More than ever I now believe the phrase "dumb animals" is a myth which clearly needs to be dispelled. I am willing to bet my bottom dollar, that those of us who share our hearts and homes with pets, whose observations which may not be strictly "scientific" will support my hypothesis that animals do communicate not only with one another, but to their human companions far more extensively than many people may be aware.
Leave a comment and share your experiences in communicating with your pets.
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Comments (8)
Heather November 20, 2009 12:26 PM
I really believe Cindy knows what I'm saying and it's not just the tone of voice either. I had gotten rather upset with her last night and said I would put her outside in her crate for someone to pick up. Her immediate reaction was to lower her ears, tail went between her legs and she slunk off to her bed. I told her I was sorry and she ran over to me, jumped into my lap and proceeded to try and cover my face with kisses. She knows what time she gets her treat at noon and if i am even 5 minutes late, she lets me know. Usually I'm in bed within 5 mins of taking my meds or will fall asleep wherever I'm siting. If I don't move towards the bed she is right there telling me it's time. How I wish she and I could really communicate, how much we could learn from each other. For now I will settle for her companionship as she is always here for me. Life with our pets is way too short so enjoy is while we can.
Di November 20, 2009 12:39 PM
I think the term 'dumb animal' came about because in past days people referred to animals as 'dumb' because they could not speak as we do - like 'deaf, dumb, and blind' does not refer to intelligence, but to the inability to speak human words.
Mammals and birds understand a great deal more than people give them credit for. They also have senses we can only wish we had. They are keen observers of behavior and body language, and they remember past experiences associated with a particular behavior (or posture or whatever) from a human being.
I only wish that people would respect animals for exactly what they ARE (a cat, a dog, a horse, etc.) and not anthropomorphize their actions and behaviors, expecting them to be child surrogates. It only leads to unfathomable (to the animal) expectations, and denigrates the animals. Animals should be respected for exactly WHAT they are - cats, dogs, or whatever - and it would behoove us to do more to understand THEM rather then requiring them to be more like US.
Iniki November 20, 2009 1:08 PM
Anyone who considers animals "dumb" is dumb themselves. I have lived my whole life with animal companions of all types. The only dumb animals are the ones that "we" don't understand and we are the "dumb" ones. Our goats and sheep show love, fear, compassion and grieving. When our big Ram sheep passed away all the goats and sheep mourned for him. He was their guardian and protector. Then they decided who would be there new leader. Now they are deciding again as their leader , once again has passed away.
Our cats are intelligent beyond what you would expect. They have figured out Daylight Savings Time and have adjusted quickly. They gave and still give so much compassion since my brother died this past March. Each of them has a diverse personality and they all have other cats that they love more than others and companion with.
For us as "superior" beings to think they are dumb is ridicules.
Thanks for giving me a chance to use my soap box.
Ruth from England November 20, 2009 1:36 PM
Our cats most definately understand us and we understand them equally.They don't need words,they can convey in a look or a bodily action anything they want of us,as we can to them .It annoys me very much when anyone calls animals the lesser species. They are not,just because they are born in a different form to ours does not make them inferior to us. They feel pain and fear just as we do.Instead of some people boasting about how they give pets a good home,they should feel honoured to have the privelege of being their caretakers.
jmuhj November 20, 2009 2:00 PM
Cats have a far more extensive vocabulary than dogs, and actually, are far more intelligent, as illustrated by their independence and the fact that their affection has to be EARNED. And it's WE who don't understand them, not the other way around.
Vicki November 20, 2009 3:41 PM
Animals are most certainly not dumb, or stupid. some are a bit brighter than others, but I honestly believe they understand us. One of my horses is very bright and seems to understand almost everything. We have even accused him of lying to us. Dogs are the same way. I do not believe that all dogs understand everything, but they do understand quite a bit.
Amy November 20, 2009 4:13 PM
A simple inflection in my voice is enough to get both cats and dogs attention in this house. After having animals well over 45 years I can assure you that dogs and cats both have a pretty equal intelligence level.
fran November 20, 2009 5:23 PM
Animals understand us quite well. Communication isn't limited to the spoken word or hand signals, either. My dogs(and I've had 12 so far in my lifetime, understand and react to my emotions and my intentions. Sometimes it seems clear that they can "hear" our thoughts, especially when they are directed at them. I had a mind-expanding experience attending an animal communication workshop with Dawn Heyman at Spring Farm CARES. If curious, check out their website to learn what true animal communicators believe and teach on the subject of how and what all species can learn from each other!
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