While cats may not possess the ability to converse in human language, they communicate with us through a rich tapestry of vocalizations and physical cues. Their repertoire includes meows, purrs, chirps, hisses, and yowls, alongside actions like pawing, jumping into our laps, walking across keyboards, arching their backs, swishing tails, swatting, biting, and scratching. Typically, these behaviors provide us with a clear understanding of our feline companions’ desires and emotions. We, in turn, communicate with our cats through our own body language and spoken words, fostering a continuous dialogue despite our linguistic differences.
The emergence of “talking buttons” for pets has sparked considerable interest, with online videos showcasing cats and dogs seemingly using these devices to express themselves in human words. This has led to questions about the reality of such communication and whether animals are indeed capable of using these tools intentionally.
What Are Talking Buttons for Cats?
Cat talking buttons are small, programmable devices that can be voice-recorded to utter specific words when pressed. These buttons can be customized with various words and arranged to form a soundboard, theoretically enabling cats to press them to convey their needs or feelings.
Speech-language pathologist Christina Hunger popularized this concept with her talking dog, Stella, demonstrating how pets can be trained to associate a button press with a specific outcome, such as “food” or “outside.” More advanced concepts like “want” and emotions like “mad” have also been introduced. The appeal of these buttons lies in the deep human desire to enhance communication with our pets, thereby better meeting their needs and enriching their lives.
Are Cat Talking Buttons Legitimate?
While it’s possible to train a cat to press a button for a concrete reward like a “treat” or “play,” the extent to which they can comprehend and utilize more abstract concepts, such as emotions, remains a subject of debate. A significant challenge lies in the difficulty of guaranteeing a pet’s comprehension of broad, complex ideas, especially emotions. Currently, there is no definitive scientific evidence proving that cats, or dogs, truly understand the nuances of these soundboards. Until further research clarifies whether button-pressing is a random act or intentional communication, caution is advised regarding claims of advanced intentional communication and intelligence in pets.
However, this doesn’t preclude engaging in button training as a fun, clicker-training exercise. The key to success is teaching your cat to press buttons associated with predictable outcomes, similar to training a cat to ring a bell for a treat.
What Type of Talking Buttons Are Best for Cats?
A common obstacle encountered during button training is the difficulty cats face in pressing the buttons. Many available buttons require more force than an average cat can exert. After testing various options, the FluentPet buttons were found to be suitable due to their smaller size, which is appropriate for cat paws. Their starter kit, which includes two buttons, is a good entry point for those interested in exploring this training method.
How to Teach a Cat to “Talk” with Buttons
Once you have your cat’s talking buttons, the training can commence. While some advocate for avoiding treat buttons initially, a treat-focused approach can be an effective way to engage cats and build enthusiasm for pressing buttons. For cats that are not highly food-motivated, exploring ways to increase their food motivation might be necessary.
Button Training Prerequisites
Beyond your cat understanding that a “click” signifies a treat, several preparatory skills can facilitate button training.
Ping Pong Kitty
This exercise involves tossing a treat away from you and rewarding your cat for returning to your side. A cat’s willingness to retrieve the treat demonstrates their engagement as a training partner and their motivation to work for rewards. This skill is crucial because you want your cat to approach the buttons, rather than simply sitting and pressing them. A cat in a sitting position may struggle to apply sufficient pressure to activate a button.
Two Paws On
This skill requires your cat to place two paws on an object, often referred to as “perching.” Begin with a larger object, such as a yoga block or cork trivets, and use your finger or a target stick to guide your cat towards it. Initially, a food lure can be employed, but the ultimate goal is for your cat to independently place two paws on the object. For button training, your cat needs to interact with the button on their own initiative, without direct prompting from you.
Cat Talking Button Training Step 1: Ping Pong Kitty + Two Paws On
Utilize a platform, toss a treat away, and clicker-train your cat for returning to the platform. Provide one treat on the platform, then toss another. Keep your hands stationary to encourage your cat to seek out the platform independently. Repeat this process multiple times.
Cat Talking Button Training Step 2: Gradually Reduce Platform Size
Dedicate significant time to teaching your cat to step onto various objects, progressively using smaller ones. Transition from cork trivets to coasters, then to silicone can lids. Stacking cups are also excellent props as they offer a range of progressively smaller sizes.
Cat Talking Button Training Step 3: Reinforce One Paw on the Cup
At this stage, the platform may be too small for both paws. This is acceptable, as you can begin rewarding your cat for placing a single paw on the prop. A helpful tip is to reward your cat by holding the treat slightly higher, encouraging them to reach up. This action is vital as it teaches them to apply the necessary pressure to activate the button.
Cat Talking Button Training Step 4: Place the Button on the Cup
Once your cat is proficient at placing one paw on the small cup or your chosen prop, place the button on top of it. This step effectively introduces the button to your cat.
Cat Talking Button Training Step 5: Isolate the Button
Now, remove the cups and lower the button closer to the floor. If your previous prop elevated the button, experiment with other objects to gradually decrease its height until the button rests directly on its base.
Cat Talking Button Training Step 6: Put the Button Away
When training sessions are complete, store the button away, unless you want your cat to have continuous access to request treats.
What If My Cat Sits and Doesn’t Press the Button Hard Enough?
Use your hand as a visual cue to encourage your cat to move forward. This signals to your cat that simply placing their paw on the button is insufficient; they must move forward slightly to activate it.
