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Week 6 [30.11 - 6.12] Why do cats purr?

https://tgstat.ru/channel/@cats_mems

It is hard to admit but studies have shown that dogs are much more popular than cats. It seems that the reason for that is how these pets communicate. It is easier to define the state of the dog than the cat. Dogs and cats are often compared to each other as extraverts and introverts. Dogs don’t tend to “bury” their emotions and moods while cats just…. stare at you in a very mysterious way. Many cat owners sometimes complain about how strangely their pets suddenly fixate on something. It resembles seeing a ghost or some other supernatural creatures.


https://4fun.one/gag/6403/?pid=6403

Purring is considered a sign of cats’ delight and happiness. Moreover, it is the most common sound cats express but not the only one. Their “palette” of sounds also includes meowing, chirping, chattering, hissing, and growling.

There is truly a wide range of emotions cats can express purring and they are not always positive. Researches have shown that cat owners are required to pay attention to all the small gestures and moves from their pets to properly define their condition. This can be extremely essential when there is a risk that the cat needs medical help.

Happy purring is linked to a relaxed state of the cat. Its eyes are closed, and tail remains mostly still. It is common to spot a purring cat in the moment right before it falls asleep. Sleeping is indeed a happy process which should not be interrupted.

https://memepedia.ru/kot-kachok/

Purring can also be an expression of hunger. Furthermore, some experts insist on the fact that hunger purring dramatically differs from happy purring. It usually combines with meowing or chirping. It seems that this mixture of sounds reminds a human baby’s cry which causes a fast response from the cat owner.

Purring is a language of love between mothers and kittens. Cubs are too weak to meow from the first day after birth but it’s important to signal to their mother that they are here and okay. Mothers’ purring resembles singing lullabies.

https://fishki.net/3057384-mem-s-kotom-za-stolom-poljubilsja-vsem-i-ljudi-nashli-instagram-pushistika.html

The world is a cruel place where even cats can get hurt and feel pain. Purring in pain is a way for a cat to soothe itself and to keep calm. Moreover, vibrations from purring can heal bones and wounds, repair tendons and ease breathing.

Always remember that we are responsible for those we have tamed.
Sources:

1.      https://www.whiskas.co.uk/kit/why-do-cats-purr#:~:text=In%20most%20cases%2C%20cats%20will,other%20emotions%20and%20needs%2C%20too.

2.      https://pets.webmd.com/cats/why-do-cats-purr

3.      https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/item/why-and-how-do-cats-purr/

Questions:
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?


Comments

I’ve grown up with pets, my parents had a dachshund when I was born and I practically treated her like a part of the family, like a sister. She was my first best friend and since I was a little girl I communicated with pets the way I’d with humans. When I’m at my parents (where my dog currently is, as my landlady doesn’t allow pets in the flat), our dogs are pretty much like just other people in the house. My father’s dog is pretty resembling a talkative toddler – she growls and barks like she’d talk to us. She hates being out of the conversation – when my father is talking on the phone with me and she’s around, she absolutely must “add” something to the conversation. I always found that very natural, as our pets were always very close to us and we are close to them especially emotionally. So it’s natural to treat them nearly like human beings.

Oh yes, it does influence me and my relatives in a very positive way. I cannot really imagine not having pets at all (although I’m pretty close to that now, as because of the pandemic I cannot visit my dog often), as I’d feel sad and miserable. There was a time in my life when I was really struggling with bullies at school, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I had a best friend in my dog, I’d probably just give up on myself. He had always comforted me when I was sad, he starts to seek hugs and pets when I’m down. Pets generally know when there’s something wrong – they don’t need to understand, but they sense your sadness and bad moods.

I had 2 cats, one is sadly gone, but the other one is quite new addition to the family – and if they both could speak, I think the first one would’ve told us many nasty things (he used to make the funniest meows and growls when somebody left him outside while it was bad weather; whoever let him to the house after that, heard a handful of cat cursing), and the other one would just constantly shout “love me! Pet me! Kiss me!”. What’s funnier, the first one was black, and the new one is white. And who said fairy tales cannot teach you anything! :)
Karol Michalak said…
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
When I need to communicate with other people's pets, as I don't have one on my own, I use both voice and hands to "tell" them something especially command when it is needed to.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
Simply being with an animal can have affect positively our mood. Especially if this is our pet, or just some other sweet little animal. Of course different people look for other things in their pets and other actions will impact their overall mood.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
They would sing the saddest song ever called "I haven't eat a thing for 20 minutes".
Palina H said…
1. Unfortunately I don’t have a pet but every time I get to communicate with other people's pets the first thing I do is give them my hand to smell. In childhood, I learned that this is the way to get an animal's trust, and ever since this technique has never let me down.
2. Yes, yes, yes and a million times yes. I really love animals and I desperately want a dog. Due to most of my family being allergic to fur we were not able to get any kind of pet. And whilst leaving on my own it’s still not possible to get one for now. So I’m really happy that I work in a dog-friendly office. My best days are the ones when I get to pet a cat or dog,
3. I like to believe that it will be something like «I love you» or «You're my favorite person» but, looking at some cats, I more and more believe that this will be «feed me», «pet me but not for too long» and «let me go right now I don’t want to be in your arms»
Palina H said…
1. Unfortunately, I don’t have a pet but every time I get to communicate with other people's pets the first thing I do is give them my hand to smell. In childhood, I learned that this is the way to get an animal's trust, and ever since this technique has never let me down.
2. Yes, yes, yes and a million times yes. I really love animals and I desperately want a dog. Due to most of my family being allergic to fur we were not able to get any kind of pet. And whilst leaving on my own it’s still not possible to get one for now. So I’m really happy that I work in a dog-friendly office. My best days are the ones when I get to pet a cat or dog,
3. I like to believe that it will be something like «I love you» or «You're my favorite person» but, looking at some cats, I more and more believe that this will be «feed me», «pet me but not for too long» and «let me go right now I don’t want to be in your arms»
Anastasiia Bida said…
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
I have a cat in my home town. It is a cute ginger girl. And while reading your presentation, I really wanted to pet it. I usually communicate with my pet just by words. I think that it understands my tone of voice and intonation. For example, if a cat is acting up or misbehaves, I start talking louder and more serious. As a result, it twitches its ears and stops.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
Yes, of course. Sometimes doctors even advise getting a pet, because it improves mental health. I believe that interacting with animals can reduce anxiety and relieve loneliness. I think It always cheers up when your pet comes to you while you are in stress because of work. My cat comforted me several times. Also, it is great entertainment to play with your pet!

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
As you have mentioned in the presentation, cats are not so friendly as dogs. I think they will finally start to demand more food, more toys and will ask to carry out their orders. Maybe my cat will also ask never to touch it, as it is not affectionate and doesn't like petting.
Leya Chechyk said…
@Karol M
My life would be 1000 times better if I had a 10h version of this saddest song. It would be quite motivating, people would listen to it while doing workout.
If you have never had an experience communicating with horses I higly recommend to try, it dramatically differs from small animals.
Leya Chechyk said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Leya Chechyk said…
@Anastasiia B
I have noticed that there are only few cats that actually don't like petting. It seems that they just need very limited sessions of petting. It takes time to define how much "touching" time every cat wants (as their personalities are unique...)
Olga Przytula said…
When I had my dog, Tobi, I used to talk to him like he was a normal, human person. When I was angry at him, I would raise my hands high and turn my head, and he would come to me to apologize, by putting his paw on my knees. He always came for a hug when I was sad and barked, when I was happy. I don’t know how, but it was always quite easy for me to build a connection with dogs. It’s always way harder (for me) to do the same with cats, maybe because I don’t trust them that much. When Tobi was alive, he was my best friend and companion, someone that could always cheer me up, even by being next to me. So yes, I think having a pet can improve our health and mood. Especially if someone is single or feeling lonely.

I think that if cats were able to communicate with us, they would be the most sarcastic, rude and sassy speakers of all time. There is just something … mean, but on other hand there is something careless about them, despite their fluffy and cute exteriors sometimes it’s better to keep your distance.

Ps. I love the “Little Prince” reference and the fact, that cats purr to express all of their emotions. It’s like even with that “activity” they are staying true to their mysterious and unpredictable selves.
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I think that I treat my pet as a friend. So I try to speak to him, give him treats, and generally spending time with him. I have a dog, and he usually sleeps next to my feet while I'm working on the computer. I think that even this one thing makes our bond really strong, we spend so much time together, even though he is sleeping.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

Yes. Always when I'm sad or feel anxious, I try to take care of my dog more. I start playing with him and petting him and somehow I just focus on our interaction and that he is so happy, that I forget about all things that made me feel bad. He is just such a positive little creature and he loves me so much, that this love made me feel much better.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

I'm not sure. Maybe it would be easier to understand cats like this, because for now, I can't interact with them at all, because I don't know how to do it. I've always had dogs as pets, so as it was stated in the text, it's much easier to understand them. I have a feeling that cats are more mean, so maybe they would say something about giving them the wrong food, to petting in the wrong way? But that's only my opinion.
Palina H said…
1. Unfortunately I don’t have a pet but every time I get to communicate with other people's pets the first thing I do is give them my hand to smell. In childhood, I learned that this is the way to get an animal's trust, and ever since this technique has never let me down.
2. Yes, yes, yes and a million times yes. I really love animals and I desperately want a dog. Due to most of my family being allergic to fur we were not able to get any kind of pet. And whilst leaving on my own it’s still not possible to get one for now. So I’m really happy that I work in a dog-friendly office. My best days are the ones when I get to pet a cat or dog,
3. I like to believe that it will be something like «I love you» or «You're my favorite person» but, looking at some cats, I more and more believe that this will be «feed me», «pet me but not for too long» and «let me go right now I don’t want to be in your arms»
Leya Chechyk said…
@Olga P as a cat lover I can say that I make friends usually with other cat lovers because we share the same mentality and character features. The fact that it's harder for you to build a connection with a cat than a dog just defines your character and personality.
Leya Chechyk said…
@Palina H I believe in human language cats' speech would sound something like announcements at central railway stations
1. I don't have a pet so I can't answer that question, but I think it might be true. I like cats the most and I always try to pet a kitten.

2. Definitely yes, the pet has a positive effect on health and well-being. That's why I plan to have a kitten in the future.

3. As for cats, I think it would be something like "give me more food" or "leave me alone".
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I have got a little, red dog which is seemed to a fox. Our communication had a difficult beginning. A few years ago my aunt during the way from the shop to her house has spotted a linked dog to a road sign. If she didn't take it, it would be dead. My aunt in that time had got four other dogs, so my family decided to take this redhead with us. We called her Toffi. She was very distrustful for the beginning but after the time and thanks to love which she got, she convinced that finally she is safe. Nowadays Toffi is a cheerful dog who love plays but sometimes when somebody does some rapid activities I may see how she become scaried and suspicious again. Let's remember that dogs are not toys! They have got feelings, and they rely on a human who unfortunately fail too often.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

Of course! I've read an article which based on researches, that alpacas influence positively for kids with mental disorders.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

Hmm in my opinion cats are the rudest animals on the world, except donkeys. Some donkey tried to bite me in a zoo when I was a kid. Awful. But coming back to cats... Probably they would say 'Hey, you! Yes you! I'm talking to you, unuseful human! Give me some snack. Faster!!!'
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
I don't have any pet but I love them, especially cat. I am very cat person and I love them but usually they don't like me back. When I come to my friends house I like hub them and usually cats don't like that maybe I do it too strong.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
Yes definitely I think all pets have positive energy and energy is exchanged during contact with them.
And in general, they are so sweet and kind that the mood rises by itself.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
It's hard to say, but maybe he would have acted like Garfield. I would have thought that he was a favorite and would have demanded attention to himself
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
Communication with an animal is a complicated topic. I have a ragdoll cat. He is incredibly intelligent for a cat and I have had the opportunity to meet some other domestic cats. How do I communicate with him? I don't speak our language to him at all. I don't think it makes sense. Communication takes place by making specific sounds that the cat has managed to learn and identifies with something specific each time. In addition to sounds, my cat also recognizes my body posture and my gestures. Without a word, I can tell him that I'm angry with him and that he shouldn't be doing anything. For example, by raising my hand I can tell him that he has to get off the table.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
Definitely yes. It has been scientifically proven that the presence of pets in the home reduces the feeling of stress in the family. Consequently, reducing stress translates into better health. Sometimes, when I'm sad, it's enough to see the cat play and my mood improves. I am of the opinion that animals should become part of every family, provided that we are not allergic to hair and we are able to devote enough time to them. Summing up, it can be said that animals give us health and improve our mood.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
You made me laugh with this question :) A lot of thoughts are in my head. I think in the first place he would shout at the owner to give him food and a treat. Later he will repeatedly ask "pet me". When he gets bored of stroking, he will say "play with me". Cats are generally mean and self-interested, so expect such statements.
s16427 said…
I have a cat (Java, not ot shocking for a programer's cat), and we have lots of ways to communicate. For example, when she wants to play, she brings one of her toys to me and meows until I play with her. If she wants food, she repeatedly hits her bowl. If she wants to be pet, she hits my leg until I pet her. She's a riot. But it required some time of bonding. I had to respect her space, not chase her around, give her food (finally to let her eat from my hand), and playing with her.

Interaction with pets pretty much always ends with me smiling like a dope. Cats and dogs are all cute and I seriouslly cant resist not playing with them. For the last 6 months I was living by myself and even knowing I'm not alone in my apartament was pretty comforting. About health, I honsetly have no idea. I've heard that there's something like cat-o-therapy, but who knows if it is really enhancing your health, or only your mood. I know though that low vibrations (such as cat's purring) enhance bone regeneration after trauma, and that's science.

If cat's coudl speak... I guess they would ask for food/pets/playing with them all the time. There's also other, more distrubing option. What if every time that cat looks in space, like there's something there, there really is something supernatural there? I guess I sleep better just thinking that my cat is quirky looking in space like that, and I don't intend on changing that.
Kacper N said…
I think that maybe using a body language we can communicate a lot to our pets. If we are spending a lot of time with our pets they learn some new patterns, how we behave in particular situations, or even maybe they can identify our emotions based on our appearance and general behaviour.

Of course, I think that interaction with animals - not only our pets like cats and dogs etc have a possitive affect to our mood.

According to your last question - really hard to say what they would say to us. Maybe they would communicate that they are hungry or could told us that they don't feel good and need some visit at vet.
Kacper N said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
I use a palette of various techniques in order to gain animal trust.
You act differently, depending on the type of animal you want to bond with.
For instance, stray cats and dogs are generally easy to captivate by scratching as well as grooming.
On the other hand, rabbits require long and regular treatment due to their skittish nature.
I believe that in the end, every animal can be eventually domesticated.

My family owns several pets. I don't always have time, to interact with them.
However, there are moments where I cannot resist petting or playing with animals.
They seem to bring my family together, especially when we discuss hilarious things they happen to pull off.

I don't think there is simple answer to that question.
For me, what they would say is highly dependant on their mood at the moment!
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
I treat my pets like humans, more like my own kids to be honest. I’ve got two beautiful girls, cat and dog. One of them is staying with my mom in my family house and the other one with me in Warsaw. I’ve spent last 7 years of my life with the best girl the world has seen - Shae, the Labrador. She is the one living with my mom. We talk to her just like we would talk to a child, of course we’re making funny voices to sound similar to dog, scooby do alike. ;) Both of my girls are very huggable, so we love to hug them, sleep with them and the like. Cat is more complicated than dog. She’s much younger, only 6 months old :) I believe than communication with pet is depending on understanding. So I’ve red few books about their behavior, so now I think that I’m quite able to see the signals she’s sending. I am most focused on pupils, ears, tail and body position in general. So when I understand what my baby wants I just simply follow. I am just a human, all I want is happiness for them <3

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
Of course I’ve noticed! I can’t imagine life without a pet. When everything is falling apart, I know that someone is waiting for me. There is nothing better than their pure, unconditional love. I know that they would never hurt me, I know that they will love me no matter how huge mess I am. And so I am very happy when I see that they are happy as well. My cat sees when I am nervous or sad and she is just simply sitting on my lap, purring, acting like a doll. I’ve noticed that those “purrs” are relieving stress a little bit.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
This question actually made me laugh. :D I would say that it’ll be something like “Feed me, human.” or “I came, now you can’t go cuz you’re very comfortable furniture” or my favorite meme, when cats are doing “the thing” in around 3/4 am. I guess they’re like “I’m fast, I’m very fast, must run”. I have hope that they would tell me that they’re grateful for all the care I provide for them, but let’s be rational. It’s not likely. ;)
More possible is “playtime, play with me human” or “I showed you my butt, now pet me you miserable thing”. Cats are generally focused rather on themselves, they are calm (sometimes) and it’s harder to excite them, comparing to dogs for example.
Maciej Antonik said…
1. My parents with whom I live have a cat. Our cat is very communicative for a cat. Usually cats communicate when they want to eat something, cuddle or something else. Our cat communicates with us as if it just liked our company. Sometimes we think he's trying to tell us something. He meows a lot and enjoys being with us a lot - he's definitely not a loner type. We understand Benji a lot and it works the other way too, he understands us. It is enough to shout at the whole house "Benji, meat in a bowl" and immediately he comes running happy and meowing. When everyone leaves a room, we always close the door behind us. Then we have to get the cat out of the room. All we have to do is say "Benji, we're leaving" and she leaves. But Benji has a temper, he rebels sometimes and refuses to leave. Then you need to motivate him a bit :)


2. Absolutely! I get the impression that animal lovers are much more positive people than non-lovers. As for my experiences, I enjoy being around animals and learning new things about them. I am talking about virtually all animals: dogs, cats, parrots, snakes, lizards, and many, many others except two: frogs and toads. I can't bear to see them. Whenever I'm in a new city, I check if there is an interesting center with animals: a zoo, a garden with animals, an exhibition or something like that. I enjoy watching animals, and even more interacting with them.


3. Cats and other animals talk, but they don't always use words. But as Frans de Waal, the famous primotologist says, words are just labels. Animals experience the same emotional states as us (not always in the same way) and are able to communicate with each other as much as possible. People who know animals know well what they communicate in certain situations. So this question was asked in the wrong way :) The question should be, what do cats tell us all the time?



+ I enclose a link to an extremely interesting video about the gorilla Koko who was taught sign language. I highly recommend it to everyone. I also recommend the work of Frans de Waal, it highlights the fact that people and animals are almost the same. We have common features developed at different levels.
Maciej Antonik said…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNuZ4OE6vCk&t=1s&ab_channel=BethGallagher
Viktor Ryś said…
1.
I used to have a dog, I communicated with him, by petting him, throwing him a stick when outside and taking it for a walk.

2.
Nope, didn't notice it directly affecting my health and mood, I sometimes treated it like a chore.

3.
Probably something along the lines of "give food, I'm hungry".
As a crazy cat lady myself, I've found your article really enjoyable! Answering your first question, whenever I meet or spend more time with an animal, whether its a cat, a dog or a horse, I always feel that I develop some kind of bond or relationship with them. I don't agree with people who say that animals are soulless creatures. They feel emotions, are very individual and have their own characters. Moreover, I feel that they are equal to us, even though my cat treats me like he's my superior. Some people even say that animals are inferior to people, because of their supposed lack of ability to communicate. I would say to those people that they just don't know how to listen. Different species and even people communicate in such different ways, and we cannot simply say that one is better than the other. As goes for my way of communication with my cat, it's not only verbal as meowing and purring. Cats often rub themselves on your legs or hands to either leave their scent or with a demand to be cuddled. One of their ways to show affection is slow blinking at someone. If you would like to learn how to respond to that, I would recommend you to see this clip by a cat behaviourist Jackson Galaxy. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERJXwaTVPI8)

For me, interaction with animals was always easier than with humans. Animals don't judge you that much, and they're always there to listen. Interaction with them is so comforting, that it can improve your mental and physical health. For example, cat and dog owners are at a lower risk of having a heart attack than people who don't have pets.

If cats were able to speak like humans, I guess they would complain a little, judging by their characters. But it would definitely make it easier to diagnose early any sickness and to know what they are asking for. If they could speak, then I guess they could also understand what we are saying to them, so maybe it would improve overall our relationships with cats.
Questions:
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I used to have pets, 3 dogs and 1 cat. I just loved playing with my dogs, running around and stuff. Of course it depends from character of the pet. Some of them don't really seem to want a closer connection. I think that if you stroke your dog or cat, feed it, it will let you two make a connection. Most of animals need some sort of attention. Some more, some less but always try to show it.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

Yes, definitely. Stroking a cat and listening to its purring is one of the most relaxing things that can happen to a person :D On the other hand playing with some crazy, funny dog is really nice as well. There are so many activities that you can do with animals, not only cats or dogs and that can trigger many positive emotions.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

There is a popular stereotype that cats are "the evil ones" and they want to take control over the world so I think that if they would say something like "Hey people, surrender" or something like that.
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
I do not really communicate with my dog besides yelling at her when she is too far away when I walk her. she tries to communicate with me though. She scratches my leg when she want to go outside. She really cares about our cat. Significantly more than I do. So when she sees the cat is locked in some room or outside the house and the cat wants to go inside the house she barks at me to let the cat in. She jumps on happily me when we hadn’t see each other for some time.
2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
I did noticed that. I feel happier when I see my pets are happy. My dog also force me to walk her out, so I can have minimum amount of exercise daily.
3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
Probably not much. They would say they are hungry, they want to go outside staff like that. They would communicate simple emotions they have, but I wouldn’t expect to hold some meaningful conversation with my cat.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Piotr Góralski said…
1. Unfortunately I do not have my own pet because I feel that I would not pay enough attention to it. On the other hand my girlfriend has 3 dogs with whom I get along quite well. I build a connection with an animal by playing with it, stroking it and walking together. If the animal comes to you by itself, it is worth showing him a little interest so that he likes you even more.
2. Animals are usually positive and joyful, their good energy has a positive effect on people who are with them. When we see how happy they are while playing with us, a person also becomes happier.
3. Cats would probably tell people to let them sleep because cats often fall asleep on couches and when people want to sit down they wake them up to move them. Cats would probably also ask about the contents of the kitchen cabinets, because they like to look into them whenever one is open.
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
Currently I do not have any animal, but I plan to have a dog. It seems to me that the most important part of building communication with a dog is the very beginning. First of all we have to make clear who is in charge here. The most important thing is for your pet to know that you will never hurt him, but to know the limits of its behavior.I believe that the most important thing in a relationship is to show your love to your pet.
2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
Yes, I have noticed that after playing with any animal my mood is definitely improving and I have more energy. I think it is because of how animals can pass their positive energy.
3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
In my opinion, if we treat the animal properly, it will reciprocate this feeling. However, the first thing that really comes to my mind, what a cat could say is "give me food".
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

Unfortunately I don’t have any pets, but a lot of my friends have one. I was taught by my parents that pets are just animals even if they are domestic and I have to let them know me. I think that this is a very wise advice with which I follow. I never touch any pets first. I let them come to me and make the first step. If they show me their interest I try to build a connection with them. I also always ask owner if they let me touch their pet.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

I’ve noticed that it really helps me to feel better when I can be with some animal. Sometimes I go out with my best friend and her dog for a walk and even this action gives me some positive feelings. But the best impact on me have cats and petting them. When I have an opportunity to pet a cat I am the first person to do it and I can spend literally hours doing it.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

I think they wouldn’t say a lot and if so they would be rather sarcastic like Behemoth, a cat from Bulgakov book „Master and Margarita” or Salem Sabrina’s cat from TV series „Sabrina the Teenage Witch”.
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
I have a cat and a dog but I consider kitty as my pet. His name is Murphy and calls his “cat”, “Mufiś” and “master” (because he is acting like one). I feel a deep bond with him and understand his emotions. Most of the time he has two moods. 1. don’t touch me 2. I’m hungry. Mostly he is very demanding and looks above me. However, there is one particular situation when he looks at me like I’m his mother and savior. He’s a white Persian cat with a delicate stomach (he is fussy as well - his favorite food is raw red meat and Parma ham). When he has a stomach problem and diarrhea in consequence he needs a bath. Then he serves me this look of a poor baby.
2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
Always. Animals are a pure source of love and joy. I believe that having a pet can help with keeping a good condition of mental health. You need to have a routine to keep your animal clean, feed up, and active.
3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
I think my cat would only speak short commands to me (for example “feed me” “freshwater now”) or have long philosophical conversations with me (he looks a little bit like a philosopher).


1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I speak to my cat. I ask her some questions even if I know I don't get any answer. I like to think that she understands me. When I give food to her I like to ask her for a "magic word" or to do some trick (she doesn't do any tricks, but it's funny when she does something unexpected after I ask her).

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

Yeah, for sure. I notice that when I visit my friends who have pets. I like to interact with their pets the same as with my cat. After a little conversation with them my mood is better.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

I think most of their speaking would be asking for the food. Sometimes they may ask for playing with them or want to pet them. But it would be nice to speak with them even then.
Dariia Koreiko said…
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
I have grown up surrounded by pets. I had a parrot Kesha when I was a kid, a rabbit Sonya. Now I left in my parents house a cat named Michael. I always loved animals, and wanted to become a vet whole my childhood. I treated the animals very vell and comunicated with them as like they were humans. Because for me pet is always part of the family. So I tried to give them as much love as possible.
2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
Of course, this is always a sea of positive emotions. Have you seen those dog owners? The happiest people on Earth.
3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
I think cats will try to teach us how to be cats as if we were little kittens for them :)
Illia Kalinin said…
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I communicate with animals using and old good approach called "carrot and stick". I have two cats and if they behave well we stick up at home and play and when they behave bad I feed them carrots.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

Sure, having a purring cat in my hands works better than meditation. It removes all negative energy away and makes me feel better.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

I believe it won't be useful for cats, because if so they would be forced to negotiate with their owners on why owners have to serve them and this won't be as successful as not negotiating at all.

1. I myself have two cats and dog. I communicate with animals by talking to them, when they do something wrong I shout at them and after doing something good I stroke them or give them treats. In case of something wrong I also say "psik" for cat or "fu" for dog
2. Yes, it generally has positive effect when I live alone at home. Instead of feeling lonely, I have someone to call on, I can cuddle with some animal. Without it, I would be more depressed especially when there is coronavirus
3. I think it would be easier for them to signal that they want hug, that they don't want to be carried in their arms, or that they are hungry. The question is whether pet owner would bother it or not
Jakub Dzień said…
1.How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I have my own dog which I have been raising for 3 years. I use both voice commands and gestures to communicate with him. If none of the above methods work, there is a form of bribery in the form of a treat.

2.Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

Yes of course. Having a dog allowed me to systematize my day. In addition, my dog is the first person who tries to cheer me up.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

Unfortunately, I do not like cats very much and if it was possible to translate their language, I would expect rather evil plans on how to get rid of their owner.
I don't have a pet right now but I spend most of my life living with pets. Sometimes I feel like I can understand them more than with people. When I was young I was mostly sick and stayed in with two German Shepards, Tytus and Rufus, a Mastiff named Max, a Saint Bernardian called Benek and a cat Klaudek. Benek was my best friend during childhood, he was given to me as a gift for my 5th birthday and he was just 6 months old and already my hight! I played with the dogs and they watched if I'm not wandering off because our house didn't have a fence back then. If I got too far they would lead me back. We understood each other better then I understand people now. It is mostly about gestures and behaviour rather than words. Dogs can learn a few of them but still the way you say them is crucial. For example, later I had Golden Retriever named Tolek that was an absolute fluffball full of joy but he loved to eat everything he finds. We were obviously angry about it and used some inappropriate words... Later, trying not to swear in front of other dogs and owners we just used the world herbata (tee) with an accent on the R and he knew what we were referring to. He would immediately leave the birds bread and come back. Also when we wanted him to move a little we would say something like 'would you mind' and he would move because he understood the reason and a request rather then words spoken. I love communicating with animals it is so pure and direct, not complicated and not requiring this much caution. Hope I didn't bore you.

Yesssss. I had a great pleasure to take care of a friends dog this summer and it brightened my days just to look at his smile when I said the magic word "spacerek" (a walk). It was super nice.

Thank you for giving me a chance to also brag about my cat too :D Her name was Ziutka and she was a brave kitten that loved only me, while occasionally let other people pet her. I believe she would mostly say 'get lost' or "why can't I have it?.'
I. Love. This. Article. From the insightful overview on the common behaviour of cats (which are often not fully understood), to the mood-brightening pictures of those amazing animals. Thank you for introducing a deeper understanding and explanations to the behaviour of a common cat.

Unforutnately, I have not been lucky enough to find myself in a place where I can have a pet cat, but if I had one, I would definitely try to pay enough attention to it in order to properly learn its behaviour. I think this is the part where some people fail - they assume that their pet is going to behave in a somewhat "standardised" way and when that is not the case, they are lost.
However, I do love to interact with other peoples' pets if possible. When I visit someone that has a cat, for example, I make sure to first ask about what shouldn't I do to it and, in general, what behaviours to avoid when near it. It's my responsibility to respect the rules made by not only the owner, but also by the pet, since I am the guest there. It may be surprising, but pets in general (especially cats) tend to create their own rules (adjusted to their owner's behaviours) and they seem to follow them strictly. So, to summarise, the most important thing for me is not to generalise and always ask the owner about their pet before I take any action towards it - be it a simple question for permission to pet said animal, or, really, take any other action involving it.

To answer your second question, well, of course! I don't know what is the basis of this, but a connection with animals (especially cats) has always brightened my mood. Not sure about health, though, but I am certain that if, for example, a cat approaches me on their own, my mood immediately gets better. Be it my love for cats or just a generic reaction of human brain to animal interaction (no idea whether that's even a thing...), it definitely is a pleasant experience!

The third question is extremely hard to answer, because I woud like to focus on the cats' capabilities if they could develop an ability to speak. On the other hand, I obviously want to give an answer among the lines of "h00man, give food!". Unfortunately, I am in no position to even estimate what a conversation like that could look like but, if I were to guess, I would say that not much would change. Cats are able to communicate their feelings to their owners and I think that their potential development of speech abilities would not change much. They would probably just stick with simple sentences consisting of a very limited vocabulary. To summarise, not much would change. Instead of "purrrrr" we would hear simple concents like "pleasant" or "sleepy".
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
I have a cat, I don't usually talk to him. I often hug him

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
I think that interaction with animals positively influences the mood. It certainly calms down and allows you not to think about problems.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
I dont know, I think that they would ask some questions about their behaviour and why they did many things.


Filip Bartuzi said…
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I'm a proud owner (single-father!) for a pug named Hermes :) We've been living together for 4 years now, since his early puppy-hood. Technically, I was surrounded by animals in my family house (We had a cat, two outdoor dogs, one indoor) none of them was my responsibility to take care of it. Apparently, it's indeed a completely different experience, when you are the only one responsible for everything. So now, after 4 years, one real-life obedience training, we've developed some kind of internal language between each other. Apart from the most obvious ones like keywords for "going for a walk" or "dinner time", he can read for how long I'll be gone home from how I prepare for it (and what kind of clothes I wear).

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

Yes, I did. Every time I leave him with my parents I do feel sadness and I miss him. Sometimes he is very annoying, but even then, I do miss being annoyed by him. It's like tom & jerry relation vibe.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

Hah, interesting question. I hope they would kindly explain their bossy attitude and comment on recent movies they've watched together with the owner :)
Jan Bryński said…
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I'm a happy cat owner, who believes that his cat is quite exceptional. Actually, my cat in most cases, acts more like a dog than a cat. What I mean by that is, the way my cat communicates is pretty straight-forward compared to "normal" cats - his meows and purrs just express a lot of emotions and are really easy to interpret. For instance, when he is happy, his meows are in very high pitch. When he is hungry - well you can easily tell, that he is hungry. Furthermore when he seeks attention, he's not playing any "catlike" games, he just comes to me and gives me this particular type of meow that asks if he can lay next to me. I ought to admit that I love exchanging meows with him.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

Yes, definetly. Moreover, animals instictively detect human emotions, so when I feel unwell I can always count on my cat - he always comes to ask if everything's fine. If it's not he lays on me and purrs. That's the way this theraputic process of interacting with pets takes place.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

I guess they would come up with very creative lingual manipulations in order to get more food.
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I dont have an animal myself but i considere my sisters dog as my dog too. We are in love with each other (with the dog). The reactions that the dog has when im come in is different that to anyone else in the family. She is the happyest when she sees me. I talk to her a lot like to regular person, asking questions and sometimes even talking how my day was or something like that.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

Mood for sure. I love spending time with animals. Playing with them, pet them and in gerenal beeing around animals make me feel better. I dont know that i can describe in which way but in general.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

Bring me food my slave :p or Human, my litter box needs to be cleaned.
1. Communicating with pets is fairly easy if you are well behaved. I have a dog named Liwaj. I communicate with him by voice commands, I try not to shout at the pet so as not to stress him, of course if he bites my slippers or is disobedient, it should be communicated to him in a strict voice. I believe that the best way to communicate with animals are the voice commands we teach the dog from an early age.

2. I think it has a positive effect on my well-being. After a hard day at work, it's nice to see a dog that is happy to see .
It is also comforting to play or go for long walks in the forest. I think that animals have a positive effect on our health. The best example is taking the animals for a walk, which improves our physical fitness.

3. This is a very interesting question. In my opinion, cats are rather selfish, because if they do not want to respond to a given command, such as "come here", they will not do it. I think they would tell us about things like "I want to eat" or "caress me", but also in many situations we could hear things like "leave me alone" or "don't touch".
Marek Parr said…
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I don't have a pet, but my girlfriend's family have a cat named Kluska, so I'm gonna write about her. I really like her, because she's super cute. It wasn't hard to build a connection with her because she is really friendly and for some reason she prefers men over women, so when I visit my girlfriend she likes to be petted by me or lay on my lap while me and my girlfriend are watching a movie.

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

I don't know if it influences my health in any way, but I've noticed that it makes me calm and happy when I interact with animals.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

I think that Kluska would mainly scream that she is hungry or that she wants to go outside.
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.
- [ ] I have a Siberian cat. She's name is Roxy. She's really fluffy and lovely. Roxy is calm and very smart cat. I found her when I was a teenager. From the first day she treated me as her friend. When she is hungry she gets on my knees and purrs until she gets cat food. We have a special connections. When I'm sad she comes to me and lies down next to me because she knows I’m having a bad day. Sometimes we are in the same room but no one pays attention to themselves. We live together in an absolute symbiosis. But sometimes she does something wrong, e.g. she will eat a sandwiches from the table. in this type of situation I take her off the table, I say in a loud voice that what she did was wrong and I do not give her a treat
2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?
Yes, contact with animals is a great experience. Although they cannot talk, they are wonderful friends. Their instincts are strong and they feel our bad emotions. Many times when I had a bad day my cat came to me. She would fall down on my lap and purr. When I come to my friend's house for a meeting, his dog always greets me warmly. He jumps and barks and wags his tail happily. It always makes me feel even better.
3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?
Surely they would talk about their hunger often. If my cat could talk, it would overwhelm me with questions about food and snacks. Sometimes it would probably be annoyed with us for chasing her off the couches or interrupting play with Christmas glass ball ornaments on the Christmas tree. I think that as our furry friends, they would often tell us that they love us. Cats are our friends forever.
1. How do you communicate with your pet? If you don’t have one, describe how you manage to build a connection with animals in general.

I have a cat for many years. I talk to him and often get the impression that he understands what I am saying to him. He reacts to his name. I stroke it and carry it in my arms like a child. Then he purrs and is pleased. He often rubs against me and bangs his head against my head which supposedly means that he recognizes me as his "family".

2. Have you noticed that interaction with animals positively influences your health and mood?

I think, contact with animals always improves mood and well-being. Often a pet makes us smile. In my opinion, everyone we love. It doesn't matter if it is a pet or a human, it makes us feel better.

3. If cats were able to speak human languages, what would they say to their owners?

My cat would surely tell me to let him out faster or to put more food on. I can understand it now, as soon as it meows. I guess I couldn't stand it if my cat could talk
Leya Chechyk said…
@Katarzyna S it's really nice that you spent childhood among pets! I believe such experience teaches kids how to generally communicate with creatures around us and to build warm connections with those we love.
Leya Chechyk said…
@Milena interesting fact about alpacas, I did not know about that. A friend of mine used to work at farm with lots of alpacas and I annoyed him with asking for dozens of photos… I truly don’t know why people think that cats are so rude…probably because I do love them. I believe camels and ostriches are aggressive and bite really often.
Leya Chechyk said…
@Illia I must admit feeding cats carrots as a punishment is quite an unusual way to inform them how bad they behave. I would say it’s a true formula of a lie, as it’s still food, but not the one they would want.
Leya Chechyk said…
@Zhypargul I love Garfield so much! As a kid I used to play lots of computer games about Garfield. Some cats just prefer to be seen and watched, not to be touched and that’s okay, don’t be hard on yourself!
Leya Chechyk said…
@Krzysztof K Yes, it’s a good tactic to communicate with species differently. Nevertheless, pets are so different and unique and usually in takes some time to get know with them 😊
Leya Chechyk said…
@Jan You are a lucky one to own a cat that expresses its emotions and thoughts so that you can understand it! I have two cats and they have very different spectrum of expressing anything.
Leya Chechyk said…
@Marcin Liwaj sounds very funny bur still nice. That was pretty wise to teach your dog voice commands! I wish cats also could do voice commands ☹
Leya Chechyk said…
@Marek calmness and happiness is a part of human’s mental health, that means that animal do influence your health in a positive way!
Leya Chechyk said…
@Damian don't be co critical, I am sure you would get along with your cat if it could speak
Leya Chechyk said…
@Filip I believe cats do not consider their owners as slaves, but definitely as service or staff

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