Todd Makes Kitty Sentences - Todd Can Haz Language Pt 3

This is part three of a multi-part series looking into whether Todd truly understands what he is saying or is this all just a “Push and Reward System” as some say.
Todd is a 6-year-old neutered male cat at the time of this video. Todd and his dad have been learning to communicate with each other since May of 2022 with the help of recordable buttons. We aim to let Todd express himself and tell me his wants and needs. Currently, Todd has 51 words on his soundboard. This channel is dedicated to Todd learning to “talk”. If you would like to see more of Todd and his day-to-day life please visit his Facebook page.
Links:
Todd on FaceBook: / spiffykitty
Todd on IG: / the_chronicles_of_todd
Todd Mug: www.zazzle.com...
Todd’s Buttons (Fluent Pet Affiliate Link): flnt.pt/Todd
Todd’s Website: thechronicleso...
Whirly
www.chewy.com/...
Ambush Toy
www.amazon.com...
Butterfly
www.amazon.com...
Peacock Feather
www.amazon.com...
String Thing
www.amazon.com...
Flappy Bird
a.co/d/67Iq2We
Puzzle Box
www.chewy.com/...
Mousey
www.chewy.com/...
Bird Toy
www.chewy.com/...

[@presentfuture7563]

I'm glad you ended up making him a "mad" button because "no love you" is pretty harsh 😹😹😹

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I knew he was ready for it after that and the Want Dad No, lol

[@spacecat3198]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks😂

[@alisonek]

That cracked me up🤣

[@roseannemaye9263]

I thought he was just saying, "No, no, I DO really love you."

[@tweetscotchy1093]

He is such a beautiful little smarty pantaloons! When he said “no love you” I laughed remembering that when my son was 5 he got mad and told me I couldn’t come to his birthday party.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Lol.

[@aquaprincess9879]

'Smarty pantaloons' 😹❤️

[@Joelswinger34]

That's hilarious!

[@maryjjbest328]

Did you go anyway?

[@tweetscotchy1093]

@@maryjjbest328 lol… yes. I reminded him that there would be no cake without me…

[@jenniferhanses]

Todd is a really smart boy. I've heard people make the argument that cats aren't talking because it's just a reward cycle, but I don't think that's true. I think the rewards cycle is the tool used to get them to understand how buttons work. If I press this button, I will get the toy I want, if I press that button I will get the food I want. This is used to communicate to cats that the buttons have meaning. And early learners are on more of a rewards cycle because those are the only words they know. Some animals don't even make it that far. They just have no interest in buttons. But once you have a pet who is interested in the buttons, you increase their vocabulary beyond simple reward items, and your pet really starts learning to speak. They express feelings. They express timing. They make up their own words to get meaning across. It is very clear the animals who get that far along are trying to express things. I've heard animals call rain "window water." or name a human using a button because they didn't have much regular use for that button, or tell people when they need to be checked out for aches and pains and the vet finds things wrong that they were then able to catch early. People who say the animals aren't talking are missing out.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I agree. I couldn't help thinking of Billi calling Kendra's friend Squirrel when I was reading this. Lol

[@Joelswinger34]

Yes, people could just as well say that human children are just doing a reward cycle!

[@pixievincent2478]

@@Joelswinger34 I was thinking of when children are taught sign language before they can speak - that's really no different than giving pets buttons, because it opens a new world to them that they are unable to utilize otherwise without speech abilities.

[@cacatr4495]

Bunny calls rain "upstairs water." :) She alerted her person about the thorn in her paw with the buttons "stranger ouch paw," and about the pain in her tummy with "belly ouch," which the vet found early because of it. She has had an eating-sentence of "bird go belly," when seeing an outside bird she likens to chicken.

[@rp9674]

Science

[@jimomertz]

There are three smart cats out there that combine buttons to make words they don’t have. Billi used “water” “outside” to describe rain. Russell of CatmanJohn used “ice” “outside” to describe cold. And Todd has combined words as shown here. But Todd is the only one I know that uses his back feet!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@terrilyman2930]

That we know of. I think combining the teaching and using buttons with filming and editing is a huge job. I am so glad these 3 humans do!

[@jenniferhanses]

Todd is the most accomplished "typist" of all the cats or dogs that I've seen. If he were human, he'd touch type at high speed.

[@Stadtpark90]

Billi the cat and CatmanJohn and Todd? I’m right at home here. RIP Billi. Btw: how old are Todd and Russell?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

@@Stadtpark90 Todd is 7, I do not know how old Russell is.

[@patriciagriffin1505]

I’m not sure why anyone thinks that our four legged friends don’t have the intelligence to do this.. it’s beyond me. Todd’s a very smart kitty

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@cacatr4495]

That's why I have a playlist entitled *_"Do you think animals are unintelligent?"_* Mr. Todd is in that playlist. :)

[@blue_eyed_wonder]

Maybe it's more of a commentary on our intelligence, hmm? 😂

[@cacatr4495]

@@blue_eyed_wonder bingo.

[@Tokyokie]

He's getting smarter and smarter. Todd is amazing!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@steggopotamus]

I love the way cats are so much more deliberate at pushing buttons most of the time. Dogs can be so chaotic it's hard to tell if it was intentional

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

You have to know the animal. I had a hard time at first believing Todd was doing backfoot button presses. It wasn't until I realized he wasn't getting upset like he does when he makes a mistake and all the presses were in context to what he wanted to say. I don't know but a dog may not have the fine motor control of a cat with their limbs. Dogs run and catch things with their mouths, cats catch with their claws then bite.

[@steggopotamus]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks i agree! It's just super soothing to a part of my brain, how deliberate cats are. The way some people keep denying that cats animals have language irks me. (Even though neuroscientists say structurally animals have language, it's just primitive ie less complicated). I want to believe that if they wanted to be thorough, they would see the cats that don't edit between buttons and begin to understand. I ended up having to block those accounts though, because they don't listen.

[@jenniferhanses]

I think it's that most dogs are heavier. They're more likely to walk across their boards and accidentally hit something. Cats are smaller and lighter, and so usually don't have as many accidental presses.

[@jillipepper5353]

It’s quite obvious he has learned to communicate through the buttons. 🥰🙋🏼‍♀️

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@Stadtpark90]

roflmao - I can’t; I just can’t 😂 “Want Dad No” / “Love You No” All for a simple “Brush later”… 😂 - This is glorious. Peak Cat Moment. I’m downloading that.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😁

[@jadziadax1969]

Just wanted to say thank you again for the video. The clips of Todd saying “no” to express his displeasure make me laugh no matter how many times I see them 😂 Every video confirms more and more that Todd understands exactly what he wants to convey to you. He’s such an intelligent (and affectionate) boy….I absolutely adore him and the bond you two have ❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you, Jadzia

[@inlaterdays]

I just love when Todd makes sentences. And it is so cool when he talks about the time of day. He definitely knows what he is doing!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@spacecat3198]

I'm so glad we have more cats on yt to follow billi's legacy. Todd is such a good boy.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you so much. There will never be another Billi. She was the best. I'm glad you are here.

[@violetgypsie]

That 4 word sentence was awesome. And the understanding of now and later. Such a smart boy!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@cliffdupaul8075]

Todd makes me smile 😊he is a smart 🐈 😊😊😊😊

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you, Cliff. I'm glad you are here

[@CrankyBarista]

Todd is such a big brain boy. ❤ I also love seeing Pauli comfy and spread out on the floor hanging out with you and Todd (unlike the days of old when he wasnt welcome). Never can get enough of Todd and his antics. 😂

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you and I'm glad you are here and enjoy the videos!

[@cacatr4495]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks I am very glad you took it upon yourself to get the FP buttons for Todd, and to enable his language growth! If it weren't for you doing that, he and we wouldn't learn the reality! Not only has Todd's understanding of such things grown, but so has ours! There used to be a figure of speech that put the words "stupid" and "animals" together, but to do so requires absence of knowledge.

[@GaiaCarney]

‘Want, Todd, Mousey’ was extraordinary 😮 I am so impressed by his abilities!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@cacatr4495]

There are children that don't get this much attention from their parents. There are parents that *_never_* play with their children, never read to them, never sing to them, and almost never hold them. 🗯 Children and animals know when they are loved, and when they aren't. It's always good to see that Todd, Paulie and Glamour are loved.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@LilA-zl6tf]

Todd is one very smart cat person ❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@thecatsmeow9972]

Just in Awe how smart he is . ❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@quanitamarchesi9171]

Todd is definitely speaking as conversation, he is communicating his thoughts, views feelings and observations. It clearly isn't all about button - reward. No, Todd is seriously a smarty pantaloons boy!😂❤😂❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@lindablanchard6807]

love this little dude

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you so much

[@VirgoKat]

I am in awe of Todd's intelligence and his darling sweet beautiful ❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@rdklkje13]

The choices we constantly make between language efficiency and eloquence are influenced by countless factors. From a language professional perspective, I sure see Todd making some very deliberate choices, here and elsewhere. Sometimes it’s “Why press Want and Todd if just pressing Whirly will make Dad get the Whirly out”. A consideration we all make every day, and toddlers in particular. Other times it’s more along the lines of “Let’s play with this and see what I can make of it, that’s much more interesting.”

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Agreed!

[@JMA864]

Oooh I like this perspective. Making the choice to flex those words because it’s interesting or just for the mental feel of it. The song of writers everywhere and everywhen (except Hemingway): “Why use one word when 10 are so much nicer!” Not only is Todd an engineer and inventor, he’s a writer too 😂

[@rdklkje13]

@@JMA864 Exactly 😄

[@m_d1905]

Like when my kids were little saying they don't love me because I said no to something. 😂 The more words the better they could tell me how they felt. I see Todd doing this.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@BD-3x3]

As someone who did graduate research in animal communication, the "time-keeping" words are the most surprising to me. Soon, later, before, etc. Although times of day, like morning and evening, make perfect sense to teach (all mammals have diurnal cycles that are important to them), "Morning later Evening" is something I would never have considered a cat might be at all interested in saying, and I still can't imagine how you taught "before" or "later" at all.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

It is all modeling. At the start of the training, when I would tell him he could have his request soon, I would set the timer on my phone for 15 minutes to make sure he got it within that time frame (soon is 15 minutes or less). Over time, he got the association. The same with later. With Before, he may ask for his Bird Toy, then ask for a brushing. I would go to his boars and press Before Play Bird Toy Now Brush. Etc.

[@berlynify]

❤ Todd, Glamour et al .. greetings from 🇨🇦. 🙏🏽✌🏽

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Hello there!

[@carilariviere505]

Who dares to question the superiority of this magnificent feline with a soul which was once human?? Todd is extraordinary, not the only cat who uses buttons impressively, but most certainly the most loved and loveable one out there now.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Aww, thank you so much.

[@AndrewAHayes]

Todd is really coming on with his multi word sentences, I loved the Morning and Later Evening comment, it proves he has a thought process! that boy is a genius!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you, I appreciate the kind words and I agree!

[@vedadalsette1453]

Todd is the COOLEST cat!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Aww, thank you

[@thndrgrrrl]

such a smart and handsome boy

[@Synderai]

I think Todd shift from front legs to back legs because they are stronger and the button pushes with one push. Where as it takes him several tries for one word with his front paws. Have you noticed this as well? I love Todd and your bond together is amazing❤❤❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I do think it is easier for him with his back feet. He paws instead of pushing with his front, like he's digging. I have thought it may because he sees me use all four limbs to talk to him he wanted to also.

[@thecatsmeow9972]

Can’t wait! Just watching him, makes my heart smile - cause he has that special bond with you ❤❤❤ the funniest though was when he told on Glamour lol I really thought she was gonna give him another OUCh for that

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Lol, I warned him about that too.

[@0blivvy8]

Todd definitely understands! Also the time lapse from him asking to play to later saying 'now?' shows he has a good short-term memory, maybe longer than commonly thought for cats. I know my cats absolutely understand at least a couple dozen words, but seeing cats like Todd and Billie confirms to me that they're smarter than they get credit for!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Agreed. I also remember reading in one of the training guides back when Todd started that it is not uncommon for cats to take 30 sec between button pushes when saying multiple words.

[@redsandrock8073]

Thank you for the compilation! I especially like to see Todd say and tap ”Meow Todd” !

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Our pleasure!

[@artbyangelique5892]

I agree that Todd has a very clear and specific way he wants to express himself, and that he is creative when choosing his words with the buttons he got. Maybe he would need a "bored-button" soon after this last video when he was frustrated that he couldn't say what he wanted? I love to see his progress with the buttons. 😍

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I thought about adding a bored button but he figured out and knows to say Want What and Want Hmm? now. Now I know what he means when he says that.

[@johannageisel5390]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks I think he could probably handle more new buttons and in quicker succession. Maybe one per week? Or is it a cost issue (I know they are expensive)?

[@girlygirl2969]

Darn it I have to be leaving for work at that time but I will see it when I get home. :)

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Maybe you can be on the next Live.

[@lorrainebarrett2294]

My goodness, what an amazingly clever cat Todd is! We live in Australia and I've never seen anything like these speech mats. I've got no idea how to teach a cat to learn to use the buttons though, even if these mates are available here. Absolutely amazing. 😊🇦🇺😊

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

It is mostly modeling. Push the button and do what it says so the cat learns to associate that button with that activity. This is over simplified but the general idea.

[@lorrainebarrett2294]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks thankyou very much. I appreciate your taking the time to respond. Enjoy your day, and please give Todd and Glamour some pats for me. 😊🇦🇺

[@BD-3x3]

You are correct that "want brush" (or "want whirly" or whatever) and "play now" are utterances that Todd does not need to make with two words, when he could just say "whirly" and get whirly time, or just say "brush" and get a brushing. For him to say "play now," and then, after you suggest several things for him to play, for him to go back and say "want whirly" instead of just "whirly" is very interesting, from an "animal language" perspective. "Want Todd Mousey" is interesting, too. I'm thinking "want Todd" is Todd's way of getting your attention on giving him something, then he seemed to take some time to think before he decided what he wanted just then was the Mousey.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

That is very possible

[@janicehooper3350]

He is definitely actively communicating with you and totally understands what you are saying too. Absolutely amazing. You asked which toy he wanted. Todd walks over and used a sentence to tell you.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@puddindancer]

I would love to see Jackson's reaction to this series. Todd can indeed have language and I am so glad he does. The adorable fluffball :) Also, since you installed the mad button does Todd still press no love you or want dad no? I love how his brain figured out how to express his displeasure at you not hopping to do what he asked xD So so clever!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

That is a great question and I think the answer shows Todd really does have language. Todd used Love You No because that was the best and only choice he had at the time to express negative emotions before he had his Mad button. Once he receive and understood Happy he changed to Happy No which is in better context and stopped saying Love You No. Once he received his Mad button he uses that now for expressing negative emotions and has stopped using Happy No. I believe the little guy is showing an understanding of not only the word and emotion but understanding the opposite of Happy and how to express it before it is taught.

[@puddindancer]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks Thank you for answering! Wow! If that doesn't show that he fully understands, I don't know what would. It's completely fascinating and I look forward to seeing more of our beloved little guy. Well done Todd!

[@luciamcmaster6338]

​@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalksthat is amazing

[@lytedancer]

Good morning from East Hollywood, California. Looking forward to seeing the kitties!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Good morning and welcome!

[@leonaheraty3760]

Todd is amazing! 😊

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@gails3035]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rlight7666]

Todd knows what he is talking about. It's interesting to see how his buttons have grown.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@johannageisel5390]

Forget the 10-finger typing system - Todd is using the 4-feet typing system!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@rejanedesevigne]

Todd is so smart and cuddly ❤😊

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@kimberlieverschoor3814]

Genius!!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@patricklechner190]

How fascinating

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@Id_EonD]

A great compilation of Todd's ability over time. He looks to you to see if you understand his request or sometimes looks deep in thought.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you

[@amandas7566]

WOW!!! How does he remember where and what every button is? 😮

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Each one has a unique picture I put on it to help him if he has trouble

[@RealMash]

He needs a "bored" button ;-)

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

He has figured out on his own to say Want What or Want Hmm? when he is bored. I know what to listen for now.

[@owensomers8572]

I've watched a number of your videos. Glamour may not use the buttons, but I found it fascinating that at 8:28 Glamour responded to "Whirly", appearing to recognize you were about to get it out.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, Glamour is extremely smart. I have no doubt she knows over half the words on Todd's board.

[@robinpeppin]

i am astounded at the cognitive abilities of pets. even in the wild animals have shown these traits, even beyond natural instincts. of survival they speak of feelings & worries. i used to love watching orangutan island, & meerkat mansion. even fish have shown it. my kitty minnie comes in to me & meows for me to take care of her, play or who knows what else she has asked for. i think she would do great with buttons. i'm wondering about the ones who do not show interest in the buttons. i'd like to see a study of where they are at cognitively. what blows my mind is, i just saw a vid of a dog that told his owners that their other dog had to go potty, & he did. & that he needed help because he had a hair in his eye. it's mindblowing. some humans are arrogant in believing we exclusively hold wisdom & compassion. i love, love that these pets are being given a tool to interact & communicate with their owners, or people parents. thank you for sharing your amazing journey with us!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

You have to remember we are asking them to learn a foreign language , and that of another species. Just like humans I think many do not want or desire to put the effort into doing it. How many humans learn a 2nd language? I think it is the same animals

[@robinpeppin]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks so true.

[@ceecee3488]

How many times does Todd use the buttons in a day? And are the other two cats just not interested in using the buttons? I think its just amazing that Todd can communicate so well.....but of course you do work so well with him. I would love to try it with my cat. I think in order for this to work,....it clearly takes time and patience which I can see you clearly have both. Great job....really! Did the other cats never get interested at all with the buttons? The whole process is just so interesting....sorry so many questions. And your comments thru out the video help so much indeed.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

If Todd is awake and we are upstairs where the buttons are he talks to me all the time. Todd is the only one of the three cats interested in using the buttons. Great questions, I'm glad you are here!

[@Stadtpark90]

5:44 that’s more of a “Mad” “Noise” moment. Play with me instead of the silly TV.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Possibly

[@pattyh2410]

Thanks! Very Interesting.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Glad you liked it!

[@ericarichardson2983]

I wonder if Todd does “want” then “Todd” because of the placement of the buttons. I couldn’t tell but it seems like the “want” button is the first from any angle he comes from

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Words are grouped in specific patterns, Placement does not seem to be an issue for him as he will walk alla round he board to complete his thought. He is very specific and deliberate with his word choices, and I have found he says what he means, even if it is in Yoda speak, and means what he says.

[@cpgdallas]

It’s interesting that the other cats don’t use the buttons.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I think it is the same as people. We are asking them to learn a foreign language. How many people are willing to commit to the dedication and time to learn a second language.

[@Jiji99998]

So how did you teach time to Todd? Now, later, soon?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

That is a great question. It is all done, at least with Todd, by modeling. He asks for something and I can gice it to him I go to his board and press Todd Want (whatever) Now. Yes. then give it to him. I modeled Soon and Later after Billi and Kendra where Soon is he gets it in 15 minutes or sooner and later is longer than 15 minutes. When I first started telling him soon I would set the timer on my phone so I didn't forget and make sure he got it with in the 15 minutes. Cats have a great time sense and over time he understood the meaning. There is a video or two on the channel where Todd asks for something when I am bust and tell him soon and he sits and waits. At like just a minute or two after the 15 minutes are up he is back demanding his request. Lol The same applies to Later. I hope this helps.

[@NineLivesburra]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks he really is a special boy. I know it’s only June but do you think there will be another calendar this year?

[@rdklkje13]

4:54 I love his expression when he gets this kind of thing right - “Now morning, later evening”. He looks so chuffed to be able to tell you that he understands this in a way that you are able to understand. Todd’s signed up for the button pet study, right?

[@rdklkje13]

8:31 “Well, if you have to go Soon Dad, surely we have time for Whirly NOW” 😂😂😂

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

@@NineLivesburra Absolutely. I hope to have it out bu mid November

[@bigphathairydheel9834]

👍👍👍

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@lisajahn6839]

❤👍💖

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@TeamCat1128]

Correction to the notes part: Todd is 7 now, right? 😺

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, it should be fixed in future videos. Thanks!

[@cacatr4495]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks and his button-count. :)

[@ThisIS_Insane]

Basically, it is a reward system that Todd just happens to have hacked, and is using to direct his Hoomans with ease! Please cease and desist with the lame comments about this, as it's not a good look for humans to display less intelligence, than the subject they are critiquing.

[@peelingoffthelayers]

FluentPet Basic Get Started Kit - 6 Recordable Buttons with Batteries and 3 HexTile Button Mats - I found it. Thank you.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Awesome. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I'll answer if I can.