If you’re a pet enthusiast, you’ll totally relate to me! (And I genuinely appreciate you!) However, if you’re not as fond of animals, you might be thinking, “What’s going on here?” And that’s perfectly fine! I don’t expect everyone to get it, but yes, I engage in conversations with my pet as if they were a person, and I don’t find that strange at all.
To be honest, I chat with all creatures like they’re human, not just my own furry friend. Sometimes, I greet the squirrels darting by or kindly ask the pigeons in New York City to clear a path for me. I mean, don’t we all do this? It’s perfectly normal!
Despite what some may think, animals can comprehend us. Sure, some pets may choose to ignore us—like my friend’s aloof cat. However, especially when it comes to our pets, they do listen and understand us. Research indicates that dogs, for instance, “first analyze the emotional component of language and then they process the meanings of words,” just like humans do, according to National Geographic. “[D]ogs use two different parts of their brains to process tone and language, similar to humans. In other words, what you say to your dog—and how you say it—matters.”
So, it’s definitely not odd to talk to your pet; in fact, it’s odd if you don’t! Recently, I stumbled upon a discussion on social media where people were asked if they say goodbye to their pets before leaving for a day or weekend. I was shocked to see how many responded with a “no.”
Why wouldn’t you communicate with your pet? Why not let them know you won’t be home later because you have plans? They are aware of your routines and can get anxious when you’re late!
Pets are a lot like children—at least to some degree. In my view, they deserve to be treated and talked to like little humans. They need to be informed about what’s happening. Would you leave your child with someone else for a weekend without explaining why or where you’re headed? I hope not!
And if you think I’m joking about how aware our pets are of our schedules, let me share an example. The day before I filmed that TikTok video, my friend left for a weekend getaway without saying a word to her cat. When she returned, the cat refused to lay on her bed, which was unusual. I couldn’t help but chuckle when I heard about it because I knew exactly what had happened—her cat was upset!
This illustrates why I speak to animals! They have feelings and can worry. Scientific evidence aside, have you seen “The Secret Life of Pets?”
So yes, I chat with my pets—and all animals—because I want them to feel secure around me, just as I would for a child. Like kids, they can understand us, even if they don’t respond as much.
If you’re interested in other related topics, check out this blog post for further reading. For insights on at-home insemination, Make a Mom provides excellent resources. Additionally, for more information on pregnancy and fertility options, you can listen to this insightful podcast.
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Summary:
Talking to pets as if they are human is a natural and beneficial practice that fosters understanding and security between pet and owner. Research supports that animals can comprehend emotional language, making it essential to communicate with them about daily routines and plans. Engaging with pets helps them feel safe and valued, similar to how we interact with children.
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