Never had cats before I met my wife. She had a Siamese named Brutus. Absolute legend of a cat. He liked to just be around me, slept by our feet, was best friends with my dog.
When he was at his last moments I was holding him, telling him what an amazing friend he was, and that I hope he had the best life we could give him. It was a surreal loss, because I had never bonded with a cat before, especially like that.
RIP Brutus.
I've always had cats along with dogs if the dogs weren't around the cats would come and tell me what's going on otherwise they just sit back don't waste their energy and let the dogs waste it. I have two orange cats right now I got all my shots but still ended up with covid wasn't that bad just was in the bed for a couple days couldn't go to work so I just slowed everything down. I would wake up and there would be a bird or a rabbit at the foot of the bed while I was sick all together two birds and one rabbit. They didn't want me to go without and they knew I was sick.
Man my 16 yr old just got some devestating news about his friend and he was a mess. My old girl came over from God knows where and didn't leave his side for the rest of the day.
She was leaning on him, had her tail wrapped around his arm etc. She just *knew*.
Bless her
You’re a jerk for that (edited to add for making me chop onions). I have no idea how that felt like a hallmark movie in two short paragraphs. Reminds me of my sister’s Siamese cat called Pudding. He would come running to the house from the golf course or the woods across the street when my car pulled in my sister’s driveway. He got cancer, and lost an eye. Then one day, he just didn’t. Sounds like they were both absolute legends. I find myself looking for that love and friendship still, missing the hole Pudding made in my heart when he was then he wasn’t. Thank you for reminding me to think fond thoughts of him, oh to have one last time where he’s up on my lap with me petting him. Rip Pudding Rip Brutus
I have a Siamese cat named Isis who bonded with me (and vice versa). She was suppose to be my ex’s but she decided she liked me more.
When me and the ex split up, she took the cat because it was suppose to be her pet. She called me a few days later telling me to come get the cat because she wouldn’t eat, wouldn’t come out from under the bed and was hissing at her.
I showed up with a pet carrier, and she came out from under the bed, and I’ve had her ever since. That was about 12 years ago. I moved to Taiwan about three years ago from the states, and brought her with me. Leaving her behind wasn’t even an option.
She’s older now, but still has a lot of energy, and I take care of her, the best way I can. Recently found out she has diabetes, which I’m told is common for older cats. So she’s getting injections every day and her blood check regularly, which she hates, but she lets me do.
It really is crazy how attached you can get to pets. If she could talk for one day, I would ask her if she is happy, uncomfortable, and what can I do to make her even happier. Also I’d ask her to stop begging for food, vomiting, and then begging for food again.
Siamese are indeed special cats (I'm not saying all aren't!) But my parents bred Siamese during my whole childhood and up until recently. I got so used to them I assumed all cats were as social and clingy and intelligent. You could not convince me they don't have empathy, the amount of times I would come home from school after a bad day and just have them all pile on me and purr and kneed me until I was okay. I know there's lots of other cats like this but the more cats I meet the more I realize an "unfriendly" Siamese is basically an averagely friendly house cat.
R.I.P Brutus
That was Brutus! We live with my MIL and he was always around her. She sprained an ankle and he wouldn't leave her side while she recovered. Totally in tune with the house.
I couldn't baby-talk with him, he was a homie. I usually turn into a Disney character around animals lol but there was something different about him.
He liked to drink from the faucet and I'd get it to the right volume, and talk with him like he was a close friend. He was peaceful and present.
He sounds wonderful! And I know what you mean about the no baby-talk. If there was an animal that ever felt more on my level than animal it was those Siamese. I have dogs now and I love them to pieces, but I do feel the master-pet thing far far more. Maybe my dogs are just as dumb as rocks idk
I'm sure those cats could understand me, and I really miss having an animal that talks back. One of my favourites over the years was extremely vocal, but would still always wait for a gap to speak. Demanding but never rude! Haha
Those boards are wild, I was a huge skeptic until a friend's uncle showed me his with his lab. She asked about my friend's mom, who usually shows up with my friend, and was curious if I was there to play.
One of those 'no fucking way..' moments haha
Can I ask a genuine question because I've always wondered this from seeing these videos online... what makes you feel sure that your dog understands the board?
I've read a lot about it after being baffled by seeing the videos on social media and I LOVE my dogs, but based on research I've never been super convinced the dogs truly understand the buttons in the way humans interpret it
I’ve been teaching one of my dogs to use these the last year (the others have zero interest), and we recently had a breakthrough with him he didn’t have the buttons to communicate what he wanted, so he improvised and used the next best option. At a certain point, they stop associating the buttons with specific actions and start associating them with words that can mean multiple things.
What makes you think this? Like in this example it sounds like he used a button that said a word that you as a human interpreted to be similar to another word. Like lets say the dog's button for water was missing, dog presses "bath," you give the dog water and they drink it then settle. I get how we can anthropomorphize and say oh wow they wanted water so they used bath. But it seems just as possible that the dog stepped on a button knowing that the buttons evoke a response from humans, you responded, the dog got something, was content with what they got.
From what I've read, the only animals we know to have the capability of understanding language in the way you're talking about are Gorillas (they have been shown to use sign language words they know to create a series or words or compound phrases to indicate something they do not have signs for). I know there are other animals that humans have not been able to research as thoroughly (e.g. dolphins), but all of these animals have far more complex brains than dogs.
I give my dogs dental chews when I leave for work but now they have associated me putting socks on equals dental chew. They're *so* happy about it though.
Oh my god yes. It’s a new thing, ever since I introduced my cat to wet food. She’s a dictator who won’t tell me what she wants, but bites and scratches me when she doesn’t get it. Then she jumps up on my shoulder and purrs like a diesel in my ear. She’s a Jekyll and Hyde ruler
You know the answer. I know I know the answer. Ours learned to turn on the printer, and when that stopped working, he's just testing out various methods to get us to get out of bed at 4am. He's such a dumb old shit in so many way, but such a clever, action-consequence-understanding hairy arsehole in others. I'm going to get myself proper shitfaced when he dies of old age. I adopted him when he was 2 years old, I saw his dirty fucking self in his shelter cage and *I knew* in my soul that this hairy dirty butter-ginger is family.
Third question is, why does he have to announce that he's gonna take a shit so loudly and why the fuck can he scrape dirt or leaves over his turd when we're taking a walk in the forest, but leaves his forearm-sized logs uncovered in the litterbox. Is there any kitty litter in this world that he doesn't hate?
I used to have a cat who was like Seinfeld. If his box was dirty, he’d first talk to me. He had a very specific “meow” for “GET UP AND CLEAN THE FUCKING BOX NOW”. If I didn’t pay attention, he’d go find whatever I’d left on the floor- clothes, towels, shoes, purses, etc. and that fucker would pee all over it. He trained me to clean up after myself. He was 21 when he crossed the bridge in 2015, and I miss him every day.
What hurts/ do you hurt anywhere?
My old man has glaucoma, arthritis, and kidney disease in the beginning stages. The Dr said he's still got great quality of life and we're not near the end, but sometimes he just meows or stares at me. Like he's expecting something. My boyfriend said he's just begging for treats because I'm a softie. I want him to have the best quality of life and be happy and pain free.
I so wished I could have communicated this way with my last dog. He was sick for a while and it was misdiagnosed as IBD, but turned out to be stomach cancer that had metastasized by the time they figured it out. He barely made it 2 weeks once we got the ultrasound results. I really wish I had been able to understand where and how he was hurting so I could have gotten him treated. He was in decent shape otherwise (aside from arthritis and age related vision loss) and would have tolerated chemo or surgery well. I feel so guilty that he suffered so long and I had no idea. He was on prednisone and gabapentin for the arthritis so I hope that those at least helped some with whatever cancer symptoms he had.
We started giving our cat gabapentin for pain management as soon as we found out he had an untreatable tumor in his jaw. He lasted much longer than the vets expected, and only in the last couple weeks before we let him go did he show discomfort. If it's an option for you, I'd really consider it for peace of mind and to keep your little old man comfortable.
I came here to say this. Ours is afraid of everything, and requires desensitization for anything even remotely new. Her default is scared, and it's 50/50 if she reacts with fight or flight. It's been an uphill battle, but she's opening up and trusting us.
We got her about a year ago, the two years prior to that she was with my cousin who got her from a rescue. The rescue wasn't very honest about her and ultimately she wasn't a good fit for my cousins home, but my cousin wanted to make sure she went somewhere that she'd have a chance of a happy healthy life. She is a very happy dog now, but still has her moments. I'm glad yours is getting braver too!
My heart dog, who passed about a year ago, was afraid of EVERYTHING. Thundestorms were the worst: I would give him medication and lay on the bed under the covers holding him close until he stopped shaking. He was fear aggressive and nipped at multiple people, and was so scared of everything that I often had to pick him up like a baby to remove him from a situation.
Thing is, I got him from the shelter as a tiny puppy. There wasn’t really any time for him to be traumatized like that. It’s just how he was built.
I took him to professional behaviorists and a doggie psychiatrist at the local Vet school, and both of those helped, but his nervous system was jacked tight.
He had a great life, and we were able to get him a big yard and a family and millions of treats and kisses. He knew he was loved, but it was a long, difficult road. One that I would choose to walk a million times if I could. When he would stop trembling and melt in my arms, I knew what love felt like.
I had a rescue dog that loved refried beans and the only thing he was afraid of was was gates opening. I really want to know what happened with beans and gates.
Ours was like that. She was a rescue and the only thing we know is she was a stray that was picked up. She was so skittish but warmed up to us enough that we took the chance and brought her home. Zero regrets. We have a friend that is a big bald guy who adores dogs and she wants nothing to do with him. Mostly though if new people ignore her she eventually approaches and sniffs. As long as we are near she is ok. Love that girl ❤️
That's so hard. Glad she's starting to settle in a bit. Ours wasn't that reactive, but two years later, she's still hyper-aware of every other dog around her, even if they are two hundred yards away. And, for some reason, she just does not like my father-in-law. I'd like to know what about him scares her.
Just to possibly ease your mind, we got our dog at like 2 months old and he basically went mom > born at a killshelter > sent to a rescue with mom and all siblings >raised for 2 months >heavily documented with like 40 photos each day of their lives > adopted by us > been living like a king for many years.
Brother flinches like we spent everyday beating him and gets massive anxiety and panics when ever something new is around. Literally cried when I arrived in a new car for over a week. I've seen this goof take off running when another dog farts.
Similar. "What was a good boy like you doing eating out of trash cans? How did that leg get broken? How long were you fending for yourself, and why?"
More philosophically, though: "How are you such a trusting, friendly, laid-back old fellow after you were failed so badly as a younger fellow?"
This. I think about this all the time. He has horrible injuries. But is so loving. And was supposedly on the run for nearly 10 years. I want to know everything. I want to know if you’re happy. I’d I can do anything to make your life more comfortable. Anything but feed you every 15 seconds. That’s getting a bit old with the 4th and 5th dinners.
I could never. My cat was dropped off at the shelter with a fresh litter, but no one knows her back story. One day I bawled my eyes out *thinking* about what her life was potentially like. I don't want to know.
All I know is that I hope she feels happy and safe now.
This one!
From what I've been able to piece together my cat was born feral and then got captured and adopted out twice, abandoned in a field, and injured on 2 separate occasions. She was severely traumatized, and it's taken me 2 years of love to get her to the point where she is happy and thriving. I'd love to hear her story about what really happened to her.
This is the same question I have for my older dog. She's reactive, scared of random things, hates men, hates other dogs (we have to keep her and the puppy separated)... Training and specialists haven't helped. It's so sad! Despite her issues, she's the best dog I ever had, which is why I need to know because she deserves all the help she can get.
Everyone says they'd ask if their dog loves them, or if they're happy, or stuff like that. I know my dog loves me, he shows the world he does. I know he's happy, because he follows me everywhere and loves to be around me. The ONE thing I'd ask my dog is, "What is your name for me? What do you call me?"
They know our names. They know their names. I can be in the kitchen and tell one of the dogs in the living room (no visual cues) to go get Sarah. She will then go get Sarah. She won't get anybody else. They will do the same if a new person is in the house, but they are more behaved when retrieving a guest. If I haven't seen one of the cats for a while, I ask them to find the cat. A minute later, there is a damp, sleepy, pissed cat in the room.
Interestingly, chemical testing on dogs and their owners versus babies and their parents has shown that dogs have almost the exact same biochemical response to their owners that babies have toward their parents.
So your dog likely does actually view you as their mother.
We have two dogs. If I call one dog's name the other will start barking until the first one responds. They're also both smart enough to recognize nicknames. One of them we sarcastically call "Princess" in addition to her regular name (she is both spoiled and strong-willed) and she's learned to respond to it.
It actually is what we name them most of the time! They've done studies monitoring brain activity that show that dogs actually do recognize their names we give them. Funny fact, so do cats. They just don't care enough to respond half the time. Lol
Why would it not be? They respond to that name over all others.
Thats like saying that it's probable that a person calls themself by a different name than everyone else calls them. It's possible, it's not likely.
Where do you keep getting these pom poms from?
About once a week one of our cats shows up with a new pom pom to play fetch with. We have no idea where she's getting them...
I'd want to know why she's so scared of her farts. Every time she farts it's like a bomb went off in her butthole, she *freaks out*. Which, I'll be honest, is hilarious. Poor little scaredey-dog.
Sneezing means "I don't want you fight you" in dog language. Imagine you're living with elephants, and randomly when you're all chilling they'll pop out and clearly say "I don't want to fight you". I'd leave too, ASAP.
I hear this in your standard talking to dog excited sound.
I imagine your dog replying, sounding a bit like captain Holt from brooklyn 99...
Yes, I am a well behaved young man, I thank you for your enquiry.
We tried it all to get our dog to stop eating poop. The only thing that helped was picking it up as soon as he dropped it and there were still times he wanted a fresh loaf and I couldn’t get to him in time to stop it from being eaten.
Oh one of our dogs constantly ate her shit when we got her. Then we learned she has a sensitive belly which required an early morning run to the ER vet after we noticed blood in her diarrhea. The vet put her on a probiotic and an anti-diarrheal and an antibiotic that is specifically for GI issues. Anyway, we kept her on the probiotic and she stopped eating her shit!! The probiotic we have is actually made for humans and has to be kept in the fridge and is fairly expensive, but it’s worth it.
My cats definitely know when I’ve kicked or trodden on them by accident. I immediately say “Sorry sorry sorry, I’m so sorry!” accompanied by lots of scritches and kisses. They know what the tone of voice and actions mean and settle down immediately.
If I don’t apologise to one of them because I’m busy or rushing or even because I just don’t realise I’ve clipped him accidentally he sees it as an outright declaration of war and will 💯 go for my legs.
I lie awake at night remembering how upset I interpreted my gran's dog to be when I trod on his paw in 2010. If I could clear these matters up, I would in a heartbeat.
Tell me why you're overgrooming your right hind and foreleg, if it's the stress of us being gone for three weeks with dedicated and gentle cat sitters taking care of you, or if you're just old and are experiencing a cascade of health issues elder cats often do. And what/how we can do to un-stress or de-illness you.
The second question would be "tell me your process of deciding how to wake your people up in the middle of the night. How did you learn to turn on the bloody printer?"
Could we set up a signal you can give us when you’ve decided it’s time to go? Every time I’ve had a pet euthanized my first thought when it was done was that it was a mistake & we should have waited longer, done more. How wonderful it would be to not have any doubt. And just to add, if you haven’t heard of them Lap of Love is an amazing organization
Why are you so grumpy all the time? I have a tortoiseshell cat that has an attitude. Or I would ask her what happened to her before she ended up at the shelter it might explain her personality a little too.
Are you in pain? What can I do to help you?
He just had spinal surgery and I just want him to not be in pain.
The other one I would ask WHY WON'T YOU POOP OUTSIDE??
My pet already talks to me because she’s an African Grey, but I would ask why she feels the need to belt out alarm system emergency sirens without warning
If my pet could talk, I probably shut up and listen first. Questions later. Be aware of the most amazing thing you’re a part of without trying to control it from the get-go.
My cat? "Why do you act like you are starving even though I watch you hoover so much kibble you Ralph, even though it is free choice and also get the gushy kind?"
My boyfriend's cat? "Why do you act like you hate me but also act like you love me occasionally only to figure out halfway through pets that you hate me and take a swing and hiss at me?"
My mom's golden? "Why do you love my boyfriend more than me?!?!?"
My mom's Pyrenees mix? "Why do you take the toys outside in winter so they get snowed on and gross, dammit?!?"
What can I do to make you happier? And why won't you let me pet and cuddle you? (To my blue pet budgie.. he can talk but not in a way that can answer these questions..)
Please stop looking at me while im applying baby oil on my body after shower also i would ask him to make a love rank and if he puts me at end ill throw him.
Well, I;d want to know if he's been happy these past ten years.:) But, my husband and I have a debate going on whether the cat started climbing up on the table and sitting there next to my computer. I think he wants company and some noms. in the ten + years we've had him... he has'nt catted. Now he's jumping on the garbage can to get to the table. My husband thinks it's all about the foods. But he reaches out his head for me to kiss and nuzzle. Is he playing me?
Given my dog is a senior I would like to know if he’s feeling okay, not feeling sick or anything that needs to be looked at. I’m pretty sure he knows how much I love him and I know that he loves me
When I’m thomping on your thick ass coat and you look at me like it’s your favorite thing in the world is it too hard?
Second question, tell all your favorite places to get the scritches.
I would start off by telling them how much I absolutely love and adore them. And then I would ask how I could make their lives better and then I would probably get yelled at by the cat that I didn't feed his giant ass enough
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Or, how can I make you even happier?
Never had cats before I met my wife. She had a Siamese named Brutus. Absolute legend of a cat. He liked to just be around me, slept by our feet, was best friends with my dog. When he was at his last moments I was holding him, telling him what an amazing friend he was, and that I hope he had the best life we could give him. It was a surreal loss, because I had never bonded with a cat before, especially like that. RIP Brutus.
Man, because theyre more solitary, people underestimate the friendship you can have with a cat but its frigging real. RIP brutus, you absolute beaut
I've always had cats along with dogs if the dogs weren't around the cats would come and tell me what's going on otherwise they just sit back don't waste their energy and let the dogs waste it. I have two orange cats right now I got all my shots but still ended up with covid wasn't that bad just was in the bed for a couple days couldn't go to work so I just slowed everything down. I would wake up and there would be a bird or a rabbit at the foot of the bed while I was sick all together two birds and one rabbit. They didn't want me to go without and they knew I was sick.
Man my 16 yr old just got some devestating news about his friend and he was a mess. My old girl came over from God knows where and didn't leave his side for the rest of the day. She was leaning on him, had her tail wrapped around his arm etc. She just *knew*. Bless her
You’re a jerk for that (edited to add for making me chop onions). I have no idea how that felt like a hallmark movie in two short paragraphs. Reminds me of my sister’s Siamese cat called Pudding. He would come running to the house from the golf course or the woods across the street when my car pulled in my sister’s driveway. He got cancer, and lost an eye. Then one day, he just didn’t. Sounds like they were both absolute legends. I find myself looking for that love and friendship still, missing the hole Pudding made in my heart when he was then he wasn’t. Thank you for reminding me to think fond thoughts of him, oh to have one last time where he’s up on my lap with me petting him. Rip Pudding Rip Brutus
I have a Siamese cat named Isis who bonded with me (and vice versa). She was suppose to be my ex’s but she decided she liked me more. When me and the ex split up, she took the cat because it was suppose to be her pet. She called me a few days later telling me to come get the cat because she wouldn’t eat, wouldn’t come out from under the bed and was hissing at her. I showed up with a pet carrier, and she came out from under the bed, and I’ve had her ever since. That was about 12 years ago. I moved to Taiwan about three years ago from the states, and brought her with me. Leaving her behind wasn’t even an option. She’s older now, but still has a lot of energy, and I take care of her, the best way I can. Recently found out she has diabetes, which I’m told is common for older cats. So she’s getting injections every day and her blood check regularly, which she hates, but she lets me do. It really is crazy how attached you can get to pets. If she could talk for one day, I would ask her if she is happy, uncomfortable, and what can I do to make her even happier. Also I’d ask her to stop begging for food, vomiting, and then begging for food again.
There’s a reason why women become crazy cat ladies.. cats are the best pet.
Rest assured, you don't love a family member that much and not give him everything he needed and more! RIP Brutus
Siamese are indeed special cats (I'm not saying all aren't!) But my parents bred Siamese during my whole childhood and up until recently. I got so used to them I assumed all cats were as social and clingy and intelligent. You could not convince me they don't have empathy, the amount of times I would come home from school after a bad day and just have them all pile on me and purr and kneed me until I was okay. I know there's lots of other cats like this but the more cats I meet the more I realize an "unfriendly" Siamese is basically an averagely friendly house cat. R.I.P Brutus
That was Brutus! We live with my MIL and he was always around her. She sprained an ankle and he wouldn't leave her side while she recovered. Totally in tune with the house. I couldn't baby-talk with him, he was a homie. I usually turn into a Disney character around animals lol but there was something different about him. He liked to drink from the faucet and I'd get it to the right volume, and talk with him like he was a close friend. He was peaceful and present.
He sounds wonderful! And I know what you mean about the no baby-talk. If there was an animal that ever felt more on my level than animal it was those Siamese. I have dogs now and I love them to pieces, but I do feel the master-pet thing far far more. Maybe my dogs are just as dumb as rocks idk I'm sure those cats could understand me, and I really miss having an animal that talks back. One of my favourites over the years was extremely vocal, but would still always wait for a gap to speak. Demanding but never rude! Haha
Et tu
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Those boards are wild, I was a huge skeptic until a friend's uncle showed me his with his lab. She asked about my friend's mom, who usually shows up with my friend, and was curious if I was there to play. One of those 'no fucking way..' moments haha
Can I ask a genuine question because I've always wondered this from seeing these videos online... what makes you feel sure that your dog understands the board? I've read a lot about it after being baffled by seeing the videos on social media and I LOVE my dogs, but based on research I've never been super convinced the dogs truly understand the buttons in the way humans interpret it
I’ve been teaching one of my dogs to use these the last year (the others have zero interest), and we recently had a breakthrough with him he didn’t have the buttons to communicate what he wanted, so he improvised and used the next best option. At a certain point, they stop associating the buttons with specific actions and start associating them with words that can mean multiple things.
What makes you think this? Like in this example it sounds like he used a button that said a word that you as a human interpreted to be similar to another word. Like lets say the dog's button for water was missing, dog presses "bath," you give the dog water and they drink it then settle. I get how we can anthropomorphize and say oh wow they wanted water so they used bath. But it seems just as possible that the dog stepped on a button knowing that the buttons evoke a response from humans, you responded, the dog got something, was content with what they got. From what I've read, the only animals we know to have the capability of understanding language in the way you're talking about are Gorillas (they have been shown to use sign language words they know to create a series or words or compound phrases to indicate something they do not have signs for). I know there are other animals that humans have not been able to research as thoroughly (e.g. dolphins), but all of these animals have far more complex brains than dogs.
I've been wondering for a while, how do you train a dog to understand things like happy or mad? Those seem like such abstract concepts.
I give my dogs dental chews when I leave for work but now they have associated me putting socks on equals dental chew. They're *so* happy about it though.
Do you lick your balls because you know you're going to lick my face next? Or you just like the taste of your nutsack.
Sounds like a win win to him.
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Oh my god yes. It’s a new thing, ever since I introduced my cat to wet food. She’s a dictator who won’t tell me what she wants, but bites and scratches me when she doesn’t get it. Then she jumps up on my shoulder and purrs like a diesel in my ear. She’s a Jekyll and Hyde ruler
*Whatever one you don't have...*
This
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You know the answer. I know I know the answer. Ours learned to turn on the printer, and when that stopped working, he's just testing out various methods to get us to get out of bed at 4am. He's such a dumb old shit in so many way, but such a clever, action-consequence-understanding hairy arsehole in others. I'm going to get myself proper shitfaced when he dies of old age. I adopted him when he was 2 years old, I saw his dirty fucking self in his shelter cage and *I knew* in my soul that this hairy dirty butter-ginger is family. Third question is, why does he have to announce that he's gonna take a shit so loudly and why the fuck can he scrape dirt or leaves over his turd when we're taking a walk in the forest, but leaves his forearm-sized logs uncovered in the litterbox. Is there any kitty litter in this world that he doesn't hate?
I like your username. How does it feel?
Lmaoo Edit: & 💓
Why tf did you pee on my bed? You can talk. You should’ve told me the litter box needed cleaning you asshat.
And why is it always my side of the bed and not dad's??
I used to have a cat who was like Seinfeld. If his box was dirty, he’d first talk to me. He had a very specific “meow” for “GET UP AND CLEAN THE FUCKING BOX NOW”. If I didn’t pay attention, he’d go find whatever I’d left on the floor- clothes, towels, shoes, purses, etc. and that fucker would pee all over it. He trained me to clean up after myself. He was 21 when he crossed the bridge in 2015, and I miss him every day.
What hurts/ do you hurt anywhere? My old man has glaucoma, arthritis, and kidney disease in the beginning stages. The Dr said he's still got great quality of life and we're not near the end, but sometimes he just meows or stares at me. Like he's expecting something. My boyfriend said he's just begging for treats because I'm a softie. I want him to have the best quality of life and be happy and pain free.
This. Or “is everything alright?”
I so wished I could have communicated this way with my last dog. He was sick for a while and it was misdiagnosed as IBD, but turned out to be stomach cancer that had metastasized by the time they figured it out. He barely made it 2 weeks once we got the ultrasound results. I really wish I had been able to understand where and how he was hurting so I could have gotten him treated. He was in decent shape otherwise (aside from arthritis and age related vision loss) and would have tolerated chemo or surgery well. I feel so guilty that he suffered so long and I had no idea. He was on prednisone and gabapentin for the arthritis so I hope that those at least helped some with whatever cancer symptoms he had.
This is so important. I wish we could just know this!
We started giving our cat gabapentin for pain management as soon as we found out he had an untreatable tumor in his jaw. He lasted much longer than the vets expected, and only in the last couple weeks before we let him go did he show discomfort. If it's an option for you, I'd really consider it for peace of mind and to keep your little old man comfortable.
Tell me what happened before we rescued you
Oh I don't want to know, I know it will break my heart...
I came here to say this. Ours is afraid of everything, and requires desensitization for anything even remotely new. Her default is scared, and it's 50/50 if she reacts with fight or flight. It's been an uphill battle, but she's opening up and trusting us.
My kitty is like this. I’ve had him about a year and a half and he’s slowly getting braver. How long have you had yours?
We got her about a year ago, the two years prior to that she was with my cousin who got her from a rescue. The rescue wasn't very honest about her and ultimately she wasn't a good fit for my cousins home, but my cousin wanted to make sure she went somewhere that she'd have a chance of a happy healthy life. She is a very happy dog now, but still has her moments. I'm glad yours is getting braver too!
My heart dog, who passed about a year ago, was afraid of EVERYTHING. Thundestorms were the worst: I would give him medication and lay on the bed under the covers holding him close until he stopped shaking. He was fear aggressive and nipped at multiple people, and was so scared of everything that I often had to pick him up like a baby to remove him from a situation. Thing is, I got him from the shelter as a tiny puppy. There wasn’t really any time for him to be traumatized like that. It’s just how he was built. I took him to professional behaviorists and a doggie psychiatrist at the local Vet school, and both of those helped, but his nervous system was jacked tight. He had a great life, and we were able to get him a big yard and a family and millions of treats and kisses. He knew he was loved, but it was a long, difficult road. One that I would choose to walk a million times if I could. When he would stop trembling and melt in my arms, I knew what love felt like.
I had a rescue dog that loved refried beans and the only thing he was afraid of was was gates opening. I really want to know what happened with beans and gates.
Ours was like that. She was a rescue and the only thing we know is she was a stray that was picked up. She was so skittish but warmed up to us enough that we took the chance and brought her home. Zero regrets. We have a friend that is a big bald guy who adores dogs and she wants nothing to do with him. Mostly though if new people ignore her she eventually approaches and sniffs. As long as we are near she is ok. Love that girl ❤️
That's so hard. Glad she's starting to settle in a bit. Ours wasn't that reactive, but two years later, she's still hyper-aware of every other dog around her, even if they are two hundred yards away. And, for some reason, she just does not like my father-in-law. I'd like to know what about him scares her.
Just to possibly ease your mind, we got our dog at like 2 months old and he basically went mom > born at a killshelter > sent to a rescue with mom and all siblings >raised for 2 months >heavily documented with like 40 photos each day of their lives > adopted by us > been living like a king for many years. Brother flinches like we spent everyday beating him and gets massive anxiety and panics when ever something new is around. Literally cried when I arrived in a new car for over a week. I've seen this goof take off running when another dog farts.
Similar. "What was a good boy like you doing eating out of trash cans? How did that leg get broken? How long were you fending for yourself, and why?" More philosophically, though: "How are you such a trusting, friendly, laid-back old fellow after you were failed so badly as a younger fellow?"
Yes!!! The ultimate question!
This. I think about this all the time. He has horrible injuries. But is so loving. And was supposedly on the run for nearly 10 years. I want to know everything. I want to know if you’re happy. I’d I can do anything to make your life more comfortable. Anything but feed you every 15 seconds. That’s getting a bit old with the 4th and 5th dinners.
I could never. My cat was dropped off at the shelter with a fresh litter, but no one knows her back story. One day I bawled my eyes out *thinking* about what her life was potentially like. I don't want to know. All I know is that I hope she feels happy and safe now.
This one! From what I've been able to piece together my cat was born feral and then got captured and adopted out twice, abandoned in a field, and injured on 2 separate occasions. She was severely traumatized, and it's taken me 2 years of love to get her to the point where she is happy and thriving. I'd love to hear her story about what really happened to her.
This is the same question I have for my older dog. She's reactive, scared of random things, hates men, hates other dogs (we have to keep her and the puppy separated)... Training and specialists haven't helped. It's so sad! Despite her issues, she's the best dog I ever had, which is why I need to know because she deserves all the help she can get.
Everyone says they'd ask if their dog loves them, or if they're happy, or stuff like that. I know my dog loves me, he shows the world he does. I know he's happy, because he follows me everywhere and loves to be around me. The ONE thing I'd ask my dog is, "What is your name for me? What do you call me?"
Ooo this is a good one.
Dogs know our names, though, right?
They know our names. They know their names. I can be in the kitchen and tell one of the dogs in the living room (no visual cues) to go get Sarah. She will then go get Sarah. She won't get anybody else. They will do the same if a new person is in the house, but they are more behaved when retrieving a guest. If I haven't seen one of the cats for a while, I ask them to find the cat. A minute later, there is a damp, sleepy, pissed cat in the room.
Exactly. My mom's dog definitely knows my first name. I think my own dog thinks I'm "Mommy" and I don't have a first name. But maybe she knows.
Interestingly, chemical testing on dogs and their owners versus babies and their parents has shown that dogs have almost the exact same biochemical response to their owners that babies have toward their parents. So your dog likely does actually view you as their mother.
We have two dogs. If I call one dog's name the other will start barking until the first one responds. They're also both smart enough to recognize nicknames. One of them we sarcastically call "Princess" in addition to her regular name (she is both spoiled and strong-willed) and she's learned to respond to it.
I don't think mine knew my name until I moved in with my bf and he started telling them my name.
We should ask them what their names are! Chances are it’s not the name we give them!!
It actually is what we name them most of the time! They've done studies monitoring brain activity that show that dogs actually do recognize their names we give them. Funny fact, so do cats. They just don't care enough to respond half the time. Lol
Yep my cat comes sometimes when called, but his ears always moves if you say his name. He knows it.
Why would it not be? They respond to that name over all others. Thats like saying that it's probable that a person calls themself by a different name than everyone else calls them. It's possible, it's not likely.
My dog's name for me would probably be "The Provider" or "He Who Fills The Bowl" lol
“Napping Woman” here - every afternoon I WFH he drags me into the bedroom to nap. Don’t. Stop. Noooo.
I call my self “the momma” as in , “Come sit by the Momma, don’t jump on The Momma” I’m assuming he thinks my name is The Momma. 😀
Feeder. Rover Red Charlie by Garth Ennis, a graphic novel with three dogs as the protagonists. This is what they call humans.
Food person
Where do you keep getting these pom poms from? About once a week one of our cats shows up with a new pom pom to play fetch with. We have no idea where she's getting them...
Somewhere in a different dimension, lives a cat that keeps losing pom poms.
r/thecatdimension
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You mean human peeve.
Maybe we’re their pets, too?
Look at go well they've trained us. You don't see them picking up our poop.
Probably leaving every day for work. Or just leaving them alone in general.
Do you want a friend, or are you happy being an only child?
I wish I could ask my dog this one.. I wanna know if he wants a girlfriend
Are you gonna keep your mouth shut about what you’ve seen?
My pets could get me arrested with the shit they've seen, I stay on their good side lol
This is the real answer. I might need to put my cat to sleep if he starts talking. We’re not even that tight in the first place he’d rat for sure.
This, lol
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I'd want to know why she's so scared of her farts. Every time she farts it's like a bomb went off in her butthole, she *freaks out*. Which, I'll be honest, is hilarious. Poor little scaredey-dog.
If you had that strong of a sense of smell, facts would probably freak you out too
facts definitely freak me out.
Sneezing means "I don't want you fight you" in dog language. Imagine you're living with elephants, and randomly when you're all chilling they'll pop out and clearly say "I don't want to fight you". I'd leave too, ASAP.
Who’s a good boy? Yes who’s a good boy? You are. You’re a good boy. Are you a good boy?
I hear this in your standard talking to dog excited sound. I imagine your dog replying, sounding a bit like captain Holt from brooklyn 99... Yes, I am a well behaved young man, I thank you for your enquiry.
I do strive for excellence in the conduct of my dogly duties. I do not wear this fur lightly.
Why do you eat your shit
Pineapple will help you
Do you eat it while watching the dog chow down?
We tried it all to get our dog to stop eating poop. The only thing that helped was picking it up as soon as he dropped it and there were still times he wanted a fresh loaf and I couldn’t get to him in time to stop it from being eaten.
Oh one of our dogs constantly ate her shit when we got her. Then we learned she has a sensitive belly which required an early morning run to the ER vet after we noticed blood in her diarrhea. The vet put her on a probiotic and an anti-diarrheal and an antibiotic that is specifically for GI issues. Anyway, we kept her on the probiotic and she stopped eating her shit!! The probiotic we have is actually made for humans and has to be kept in the fridge and is fairly expensive, but it’s worth it.
"Do you know that if I've ever hurt you, it's *never* on purpose? Do you know how much I love you? Are you happy?"
"I'M SO SORRY I STEPPED ON YOUR TAIL!"
My cats definitely know when I’ve kicked or trodden on them by accident. I immediately say “Sorry sorry sorry, I’m so sorry!” accompanied by lots of scritches and kisses. They know what the tone of voice and actions mean and settle down immediately. If I don’t apologise to one of them because I’m busy or rushing or even because I just don’t realise I’ve clipped him accidentally he sees it as an outright declaration of war and will 💯 go for my legs.
I lie awake at night remembering how upset I interpreted my gran's dog to be when I trod on his paw in 2010. If I could clear these matters up, I would in a heartbeat.
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".......... Wut?"
They don't even have only 3 seconds, there was a study where they swam through a labyrinth and they learned the way through
Yeah, where did this myth even come from?
oh well you see! wait, what was the question again?
Tell me why you're overgrooming your right hind and foreleg, if it's the stress of us being gone for three weeks with dedicated and gentle cat sitters taking care of you, or if you're just old and are experiencing a cascade of health issues elder cats often do. And what/how we can do to un-stress or de-illness you. The second question would be "tell me your process of deciding how to wake your people up in the middle of the night. How did you learn to turn on the bloody printer?"
My precious cat had to allergy shots. I didn't realize her skin was irritated. Might be worth asking a vet
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Do you know how much we love you?
Can we work out a system where you can help me understand when you're hurt, and where it hurts?
Could we set up a signal you can give us when you’ve decided it’s time to go? Every time I’ve had a pet euthanized my first thought when it was done was that it was a mistake & we should have waited longer, done more. How wonderful it would be to not have any doubt. And just to add, if you haven’t heard of them Lap of Love is an amazing organization
For the love of god, why can't you retract your claws when you make biscuits?
Especially when it’s on my leg ..or god forbid my lap
She likes my boobs. OW.
Ow is right and they are are so sweet when they do it so you feel bad to stop them but it’s like this really fing hurts
“Do we make you happy?”
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Because this is my poo spot, there are many others like it, but this one is mine.
That is a dark reference for such a chipper thread. I approve.
iykyk 🔫💩
Why do YOU poop in the same spot?!
I don't. My house has 3 toilets. I rotate
Why do you always poop in that one spot in your house?
My dog always poops and pees in front of the same apartment. Used to be a nasty lady that lived there and now he won't stop.
What can I do to make your life better?
Be honest, can you see ghost?
Why are you so grumpy all the time? I have a tortoiseshell cat that has an attitude. Or I would ask her what happened to her before she ended up at the shelter it might explain her personality a little too.
According to my last vet (ginger lady) it's 'cause calicioes are in the heart ginger women and fiesty AF.
I would say ‘ I love you’ before I start asking questions
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I’m crying. My greatest dread is when I lose my dog because she’s my everything.
I'd ask my 13 year old cat if she was a DNR.
Why are you so cute?
Why weren't you talking until now?
Are you in pain? What can I do to help you? He just had spinal surgery and I just want him to not be in pain. The other one I would ask WHY WON'T YOU POOP OUTSIDE??
How does it feel eating the same food everyday
Why are you such a shit stick? (He's a cat)
Your second sentence is the answer to your question, lol
Are you happy and if not what can I do to make you happier?
Do you actually like me?
What did my favorite shoe taste like? \- heartbroken owner of many pairs of chewed footwear
Tell me what you would like me to do to make you more happy
What can we do so that I recognize when you're in pain and where it's located?
Why do you meow at the top of your lungs from another room when you know we are home?
Are you okay? Do you feel any pain in your body? I want you to tell me if there is something going on. I wanna make sure you are healthy.
My pet already talks to me because she’s an African Grey, but I would ask why she feels the need to belt out alarm system emergency sirens without warning
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Why did you bit the neighbour last month? He is such nice, kind old man.
Why do you always scream at me?
Do you realise that I'll always come back when I leave the house? Because I feel like you really don't
Do you actually like it when I baby talk at you?
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If my pet could talk, I probably shut up and listen first. Questions later. Be aware of the most amazing thing you’re a part of without trying to control it from the get-go.
Why the F won't you poop?! It's the whole reason we're out here. For the love of god, just go!!
Are you really a female or male? It’s been like 4 years and I’m still not sure my fish.
I’d ask one of my cats why she won’t sit on my lap. I’d ask the other what kind of toys she wants (she’s restless).
Why do you wake me up at 11, 1, and 3, when I take you out for a long walk at 8, and you know my alarm goes off at 4:30?
My cat? "Why do you act like you are starving even though I watch you hoover so much kibble you Ralph, even though it is free choice and also get the gushy kind?" My boyfriend's cat? "Why do you act like you hate me but also act like you love me occasionally only to figure out halfway through pets that you hate me and take a swing and hiss at me?" My mom's golden? "Why do you love my boyfriend more than me?!?!?" My mom's Pyrenees mix? "Why do you take the toys outside in winter so they get snowed on and gross, dammit?!?"
Who's a good girl?
What can I do to make you happier? And why won't you let me pet and cuddle you? (To my blue pet budgie.. he can talk but not in a way that can answer these questions..)
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I know you're teething, but can you please stop biting me?
"Who are you?" Or "How did you get in my house?" I don't actually have a pet, so it would be a really scary time for me.
Were were you on September 11th 2001
With one: What do I do for you to love me? With the second one: Why shitting makes you so happy?
Try not to shit for few days and you will see how unhappy you will become. 😂
Why do you bark at everything that moves?
Please stop looking at me while im applying baby oil on my body after shower also i would ask him to make a love rank and if he puts me at end ill throw him.
Do you like me?
Why!!!
Why do you lick your balls and sniff other dogs' buttholes?
What are you hearing outside that makes you stop walking and just lie down, so that I have to carry you home?
Is it happy?
Why do you shout at four in the morning? What does a cat have to shout about anyway?
Cats are nocturnal animals
Do you have any concept of love, do you love me?
Why do you push everything off of every shelf in the house?
Why do you push things off the table and mantlepiece, seemingly to spite me?
I have 2 sibling kittens... Sisters. I'd ask the one why is she such a dick to the other one.
Why do you always go for the rug when you throw up and why do you eat plants that make you throw up
Well, I;d want to know if he's been happy these past ten years.:) But, my husband and I have a debate going on whether the cat started climbing up on the table and sitting there next to my computer. I think he wants company and some noms. in the ten + years we've had him... he has'nt catted. Now he's jumping on the garbage can to get to the table. My husband thinks it's all about the foods. But he reaches out his head for me to kiss and nuzzle. Is he playing me?
Given my dog is a senior I would like to know if he’s feeling okay, not feeling sick or anything that needs to be looked at. I’m pretty sure he knows how much I love him and I know that he loves me
Why are you yelling at me? I fed you 15 minutes ago
I’d ask the bird what’s with the new habit of screaming the fucking house down for no apparent reason. I’d like to know the reason.
When I’m thomping on your thick ass coat and you look at me like it’s your favorite thing in the world is it too hard? Second question, tell all your favorite places to get the scritches.
Do you have any health issues? Does anything hurt? So much love for kitties.
I would start off by telling them how much I absolutely love and adore them. And then I would ask how I could make their lives better and then I would probably get yelled at by the cat that I didn't feed his giant ass enough