Todd's Ability To Communicate Is Scary At Times!

Todd continues to amaze me. He finds ways of expressing feelings and concepts he currently does not have a word for by using and combining the words he does have. We started out the morning with Todd telling me Hello. I told him HEllo and I loved him and he replied with Love you. I just got back from an overnight business trip and I believe Todd is trying to tell me he wants me to stay home. He tells me Bye followed by No "Bye No". I think he is saying don't go bye anymore.
A month ago, Todd had some dental surgery done, and a week ago, he just learned the word Head and used it immediately to tell me Ouch Head. I took him to the Vet and he said everything looked good, however, the spot where they found and removed a lesion looked slightly irritated. He said he probably bit down wrong on a piece of his kibble and scratched the area. Today head told me Head Happy which I take to mean his mouth is feeling all better now.
Todd also did two more back-foot button presses. I am sure that these are deliberate and on purpose. They always seem to be in context and make sense and one of the presses today was Todd repeating what he had just said.
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 45 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 Calendar www.zazzle.com/the_chronicles...
Todd’s Buttons (Fluent Pet Affiliate Link): flnt.pt/Todd
Todd’s Website: thechroniclesoftodd.com

[@wendyrichards7458]

Up until now the accepted idea has been that a cat's short term memory lasts about 16-24 hours .I think it must be much longer for things they consider important ,like pain going away .It's so interesting that Todd has been pain free for a while but is still talking about how he feels about that .Of course watching Todd communicate is entertaining but it's also a really interesting window into how the feline mind really works .I'm sure cat experts would have dismissed the idea that cats ruminate about past experience and contrast it with how things currently are .They also clearly worry about things they don't like ,future partings in Todd's case .They are very complex ,feeling little beings .

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I would say their memory is very good. I had a special box of treats and put them in my desk drawer so he would get them. I did that once. Now, anytime I open that draw, he comes running. He found a cricket at the top of the stairs in a corner, every time he comes upstairs now he looks to see if there is another one there.

[@Wenchework]

Cats remember bad pepol or good pepol ect so dubt they have short tearm memory

[@kendraallison7963]

I've been owned by cats my whole life (and allergic to them) and I can say for certain cats have a darn good memory. Kenny my rescued Maine Coon mix was only 10mo. old the first time he met my oldest sister. Our mother had a widow maker heart attack Christmas of '05 and my sisters came to spend time with her. My oldest sister brought her 2 dogs that had never been around cats and needless to say they barked and tried going after my cats constantly. I still had to work so couldn't be there all the time. Anyway, the next time Kenny saw my oldest sister was when our mother passed away April 2015 and she was the only person Kenny wanted nothing to do with. He remembered she was the one that brought the "mean" dogs to his house. Kenny loved everybody, he never met a stranger. Another example, when I brought Reba in (also a rescue) she was so sick and injured (the maggots were the worst) she had to stay secluded for close to a month. She was to frail to be treated for everything all at once, plus she was just barely 2lbs. (1000g). She and her feral fur daddy didn't she each other for that entire month, when she was strong enough and her wounds were healed I carried her outside to see her daddy and it was the most heartwarming, tearjerking reunion, he could not get her clean enough and they both had their little purr motors on full rev.

[@tardigrade9493]

I ❤ cats and I ❤ your insights on Todd.

[@felicianomiko5659]

Anyone who thinks cats have short memory haven’t owned cats. I’ve had them my whole life and they definitely have a long memory. And they love and care for their people and have different and distinct personalities too. And they are never ‘mean for no reason’. So many myths about cats.

[@laurasenko952]

Wow, Todd is getting creative with the "Bye No"! These channels really have me reconsidering how much we take our pets intelligence for granted.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

They are much smarter than we think

[@SandraBonney]

I was still in bed but reading and Missy was under the blankets on my getting out side of the bed - I said out loud, "I have to get up now Missy moo". And she jumped out of bed to let me out as soon as I said it😅

[@snowrose101]

Todd is very lucky to have a dad who cares about him and makes an effort to communicate with him.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@jimomertz]

I liked his Bye No. Shows he misses you and wants you to be around. Not to make you feel guilty about working. 😸

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Todd has his Doctorate on the Guilting and Manipulation of hoomans.

[@JMA864]

“Head ouch all done. Head happy.” ❤❤❤ Button-speak totally works!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@aka_tinalouise]

Todd has the fanciest white fluffy pantaloons I’ve ever seen! ❤😂

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

They are nice, aren't they. 😊

[@bcgrote]

I wonder if these pets backfoot press the buttons they have found to be harder to press with a front paw? Or that they view all 4 paws as equal "hands"? I remember when Bunny came up with "sleep play" for "dream", and even devised a word for fart! 😂 There is no way animals don't have memory and intelligence. They just need opportunity to communicate.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I have had people suggest that he is mimicking me since I use my hands and feet to use the buttons.

[@brendalg4]

It was "poop play" for fart. I think sleep was "night talk"

[@MorshuArtsInc]

Todd head happy = everyone happy

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@kristyrivers3470]

Have you considered telling Todd. Dad head happy also. That way, he knows you are also, not in pain.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

@@kristyrivers3470I had not thought about that.

[@nataliedoepke5854]

I am not sure which is more delightful to me, the cat talking to you or the way you talk to him. Adorable

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you so much.😊

[@teijaflink2226]

It's amazing how smart this little kitty is and how he's expressing his feelings, that he loves dad and doesn't want him to go and then wanted to tell his head feels better. He's so good at backfoot presses too that you barely notice.

[@teijaflink2226]

He shows too that cats remember things.

[@janistp]

Wow! That was amazing! Letting you know his head is better. He is so smart,and sweet and beautiful.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, he is very good at communicating his wants and feelings. I am still blown away with the backfoot button presses.

[@Julia_USMidwest]

What strikes me is how Todd is expressing gratefulness--reflecting that he is happy now that he isn't hurting as he had before, how is happy to have you there when sometimes you are gone. I did not suspect that cats reflected much on what is past and done--very enlightening! Edit: Also that he is very specific about what he is grateful for. I would have presumed that my cats just knew that they were happy now and didn't bother much about what made it so, except for some obvious immediate circumstance (e.g. "like food," "like pets"). The fact that Tood reflects that he is happy now because he does not have the "ouch" as he has on days past seems an advanced thought to me.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I have always felt that cats are much smarter than we think they are, probably because they are so aloof. Yes, he seems to think about things in the past and the future. You note that at the end of the video, he is telling me he wants to play with his Jingle ball later in the day. He's planning out his day.

[@EmilySmirleGURPS]

It's of value to any animal to know what makes them happy, so they can find ways to do more of the good thing. Todd knows pets make him happy, and persues pets, that sort of thing. How sophisticated their memory and future planning is is much harder to pin down, and the buttons are really showing how much cats think about the future and the past.

[@jcgross7106]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks I think cats are much smarter and remember much more than we give them credit for. If you think about it, in the wild they would have to remember places that were dangerous or where they could get trapped, or other animals, or foods they got sick on.....a whole host of things tied to survival. My cat is an ex-feral, and to this day he has PTSD from being trapped and caught by the shelter workers when he was only about 6 months old. He freaks out from the sound of metal on metal, like the carrier/cage door.....I had to get him a soft carrier with a zipper on it so he wouldn't have a nervous breakdown when I needed to take him somewhere. And when I first got him, he would run under the bed if he saw me carrying a blanket or jacket (the shelter owner told me they had thrown a blanket over him to catch him), and he reacted that way for YEARS. I've now had him for 11 years, and he doesn't run anymore, but he still often flinches or backs up when I swing a jacket or sweater over my shoulders, or throw a blanket on the couch or bed. He also remembers certain people that scared him in the past, and still won't come near if they are here, even if they offer treats. If he vomits for some reason after eating, even if it was for a hairball, he won't eat that food again for at least a few days, because he apparently thinks it was the food that made him sick, although that's more short-term. I do believe they remember a lot more than we think, especially if something evoked fear or negative things happening. I think humans arrogantly underestimate a lot of animals. Many of them have already proven empathy and the ability to evaluate unusual situations and go get help in an emergency. That's pretty high level thinking.

[@patriciagriffin1505]

He’s expressing more and more complex ideas he needs more buttons . What a wonderful sensitive feline

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

He will get more 🙂

[@user-jh9jq5st6g]

Todd’s sense of time is amazing. He remembers the conversation about Ouch head and wants to make clear that the issue is resolved and Head Happy. That is amazing and shows us Todd can think in blocks of several days and also of resolution. This is followed by his use of later for a game.He can remember and plan!!!!! What an amazing insight into what cats think. I love to watch him pause between buttons. He seems to look at you after the first button to make sure you heard him. Also his touching several buttons before making a choice is interesting. We would not know about this thinking process without the buttons.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

It is fascinating to watch.

[@AndrewAHayes]

I would love it if Todd could learn that he has Internet friends that love him, however, I think that would be a very difficult task, in the meantime I will just continue to watch Todds progress and make my head happy!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I'm glad you are here 😊

[@The_Joy_Finder]

Well done Todd for reporting the healing. 💛 My guy also hates being separated. I love it when they inform you of their plans for the day.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, I am proud of him, and it's amazing to me they plan their days.

[@jillipepper5353]

It is amazing how he can get his message across, as he gets more words it will be interesting to see what he has to say. 🙋🏼‍♀️🥰

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I agree!

[@user-jh9jq5st6g]

What are the next 3 words you plan to introduce to Todd?@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks

[@universalis2078]

Aww that was the sweetest thing! 🥰 Head happy! 👌🏻❤️

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@Ohwhale79]

Todd is so freaking sweet! The dynamic between you guys is so beautiful. Cats are such amazing communicators, we just need to learn to hear them!!!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Definitely!!

[@deborahemielita5949]

So wonderful Todd has a happy head and no more ouch! He missed you though and misses his jingle ball when you are gone on business trips. Seems in context that’s what he means about jingle ball later-he wants to plan on your being there for jingle ball later this evening or whenever that usually is play time.

[@Loki-and-Thor]

I was thinking the same when Todd requested Jingle Ball Later. He does not want his Daddy going away.

[@deborahemielita5949]

@@Loki-and-Thor 🥰😂 maybe reading more in than is there, but that’s still a possibility. They do understand time and have routines they enjoy. It’s absolutely possible he wants to plan for jiggle ball later during the usual play time routine! When Dad is there he enjoys the routine too. Dad does his very best!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

That is certainly a possibility!

[@karmallama7957]

I'm trying to show my kitten your videos so he knows buttons are in his future 😂

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Love it. 😄

[@t.k.5088]

He's gorgeous and intelligent ❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@kayhenry6293]

I can just see me going into the vet and telling him that my cat said he has a tummy ache!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Lol, it can be interesting. I'm not sure the vet tech believed me. The vet was cool with it.

[@TimothySmiths]

Todd is such a funny little dude, it is great he is expressing beyond just what he wants right now or happening right now.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I agree 😊

[@Dietconsulting]

Ive noticed all the button cats have a "thinking tail twitch" makes me wonder what my late Tabby boy was mulling.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, they all seem to have something they do before pressing buttons. Billi circles her board; Todd stretches or scratches and they all twitch their tails.

[@richardjensen2769]

I have a "gut Feel" that time passes a wee bit Differently, for Creatures of Todd's stature. When his Dad is gone overnight, it's the equivalent of a one-week separation, in "Kitty Years."

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, I agree it's longer. I am usually gone a week at a time, that's why I told him this one wasn't as bad.

[@stremendous73]

Both handsome and smart! A winning combination that is irresistible. (I think some of my family and friends may be a little tired of me - at times - trying to share what Todd is able to do, but they always have a big smile after watching a video with me.) 😉😊

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@InAHollowTree]

I _know_ that my family and friends got tired of me talking about it. I cant seem to get a single person i know interested in these talking button animal videos. Self-centered humans! 😭

[@CrankyBarista]

So glad his head is healed. I believe (although he seems ambidextrous with all paws) he is mostly left handed...or, "pawed"? I noticed he pushes buttons mostly with his front left paw. The "bye" "no" was a very clever way of expressing how he doesnt like it when dad leaves. Cant wait to see how he uses new buttons in the future. Love that Todd. ❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, I have noticed he favors using his left paw as well.

[@carolinelawrie7142]

One of my cats is definitely left handed 😸

[@johannageisel5390]

I'm so glad to hear that Todd's head is happy!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Me too!

[@carcar78]

I am so glad you trained Todd to speak. It is a very special bond of love. My Annabelle responds to me in various intonations which are different for each circumstance. You guys be happy!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

thank you

[@jeanettemarkley7299]

My rescue dog used to communicate with me but starring at me till I met her eyes, than slowly moved her eyes to what she wanted. It was almost always a treat. My husband had all his teeth removed and had a bad reaction to it . Sugar looked at me and slowly turned her eyes on the back bedroom where my husband was. I immediately went in to check on him. I called the dentist and argued with him till I got an emergency appointment. His head was extremely swollen and he was in a total fog of pain. They treated him and he was OK. If it weren't for sugar I would not have seen the swelling as soon. She's gone now, but never forgotten. Best dog I ever had. I love you Shugga.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

That's a wonderful story, except that your husband was in pain. Animals are so loving and want to take of us as much as we want to take care of them.

[@warsawcattus]

"Head no more ouch, head happy:)" -todd

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@Uncle_Fred]

I'm not sure we can jump to the conclusion that Todd was talking about his past mouth pain, but if true, this is a significant moment in human-animal communication. Todd has potentially demonstrated several remarkable things here. Not only has he learned the basic meanings of these words, but he's able to combine two of them to communicate a new idea without previous prompts. On top of that, he's potentially aware and thinking about his previous condition, and noting the improvement. I doubt a classical condition training could achieve any of this. Cats might be far more sophisticated thinkers than previously thought. I'm excited to see Todd's future. One area where Billie seems to struggle is to employ grammatical order to communicate concepts. Perhaps Todd can be taught the importance of word order. If anything, Billie tends to naturally prefer a kind of French inversion grammar.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

He has done this for a while now, expressing concepts he doesn't have words for yet. Before he had Mad, he would express negative emotions as happy no. Not only did he show he could find a way to express this, but it showed he truly understood happy and recognized the opposite of it.

[@laceythecat]

So happy to hear Todd's head is feeling better!! Nose boops from Lacey the cat 🙂

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you, Lacey! 😊

[@cosmospray]

This adorable cat seems young, i can’t wait to see how amazing your future conversations will look like when he will have more and more words as time goes by!!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊 Thank you.

[@futurekron]

Sweetest thing ever 💓

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@cliffdupaul8075]

He is good on the words he can tell you how he feels ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, I am so glad he can do that.

[@impunitythebagpuss]

Liked and subbed Todd. RIP Billi!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you. Welcome, and I'm glad you are here. Billi was the best.

[@hillsidecrypto3135]

I am so happy that Todd's head is feeling better. He is such a sweetheart. He is very smart and finds so many ways to impress. Have a great evening, and I will cya next video.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I am very happy that he is feeling better too. Thank you and I'm glad you are here!

[@tanyachou4474]

Todd is so smart !😮

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you!

[@Loki-and-Thor]

At 2:50 Todd paws at a button but it doesn’t activate. It’s the one closest to the blue and yellow pads on the orange pad. I’m curious what that button is. Todd paws “head” but it doesn’t activate, cleans his paw, paws the other button which doesn’t activate, then presses “head” which does activate. I’m so glad that he said head happy, the worry in your voice had me nervous, even though I had read the description before watching and knew Todd was ok. The relief was palpable.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Glamour is at the very top of the screen. He sees her and touches but does not activate the Glamour button.

[@meganwalker27]

A minute to wait for a complete thought feels like an eternity when you're afraid he's going to say ouch - whew, that was tense!!! 🖤🤍🖤🤍

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I know, I just hate that thought of him being in pain.

[@carilariviere505]

That was a really nice welcome home, catch up chat. So amazing to me that not only can he do this, he can hit a button with any foot he chooses! Did he actually want his jingle ball later?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Oh yes, he wanted it when I went up stair to play with him at halftime.

[@Purpie_Slurpie]

I'm so glad that Todd is no longer in pain! It must feel so rewarding that he's able to tell you that he's feeling better! I was already convinced to use buttons with my future fur babies, but this only cements my resolve. It is so, so worth the effort!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

It truly is wonderful that he can tell me his wants and needs. It makes us both very happy. :)

[@YourPalKindred]

Todd happy? Dad happy

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@danamartin8286]

We have always known animals talk. Now they are multilingual.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@kimfleury]

The fact that Todd expresses his emotional and physical well-being is incredible, but add the agenda of his future plans for the day is 🤯

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@nicolenicolerson5200]

Wow. What a cat. Do Glamour and Pauly ever try to use the buttons?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

No, they are not interested despite continuing to offer it to them.

[@Ohwhale79]

I've wondered this too! Its so funny that Todd uses them but the other cats don't care at all!

[@InAHollowTree]

@@Ohwhale79 That seems to be common in the multi-pet households-one animal uses the buttons to speak for all. I’m interested to see what the researchers eventually make of this.

[@cherylann9781]

Your relationship with Todd make me "HAPPY!"

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Aww, thank you!

[@JMA864]

I wonder if “head what?” might be easier for him to understand-shorthand for “Dad is standing by for next word”?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, it probably would be, but remember what you are seeing are events as they happened in real time. When he started saying head again, I was very worried that he might be hurting again, and you can tell I was struggling a bit to put my questions into Todd speak.

[@JMA864]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks Yeah, I guess anxiety kicked in-eek! I think you do this other times, like “ouch what?” or “play what.”

[@alisaaustin8431]

Are there more buttons that say teeth, ears, etc. so you will know what hurts?

[@thecatsmeow9972]

So smart ❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you!

[@valeriehart4634]

Thank you so much for posting these. It is teaching all of us that we can speak with our fur babies and make their lives better. Very glad Todd head happy❤ !!!!!!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Our pleasure!

[@HeavenLeeMadeOnEtsy]

Y'all need to stop teaching cats to talk, they already have us under their paws! They don't need to evolve any further. lol. ( so cute tho Todd Head Happy) I melted.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Lol 😆

[@noninoni9962]

Noni LOVE Todd, too.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Aww, I'm glad Thank you 😊

[@thesoupteacher4943]

The red book on the shelf 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Here is a pic of Todd reading it, lol. m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid032JeJd9fu2XY7Ue1AwrtZePawV95xjbVBN2D8aEbMNfFFjXFQSqDoQg3VjSx2dHFml&id=1948517015367625&mibextid=Nif5oz

[@monkeybusiness1999]

The more affection & attention you give your cat, & it's returned to you, the more words they learn. Had 2 cats that recognized about a dozen words & simple phrases between them: "No. Come here. Say hello. (To my guests.) Go outside? Porch? Potty first! Breakfast? Dinner? Hungry? (Runs to food dish, lol.) Bedtime! No (more wet food) - eat dry food. And their names. Pretty certain there were/are more words, if I paid closer attention. Many of these word communications grow from time of day routines, voice inflection & eye/hand gestures made while saying them. Simple reinforcement.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@grayscales1864]

Well done Todd, figuring out how best to communicate head happy!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you!

[@annemariekrux3575]

Fascinating how he express himself with this few words🫢

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, and finding ways to express things he does not have a word for.

[@lauraleecreations3217]

❤❤❤❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@bg12445]

Cute, kitty is teaching his human to use the buttons

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

If that's the case, I'm good with it 😊

[@loorthedarkelf8353]

I feel like a lot of assumptions made about cats, dogs, and their supposed level of intelligence are gonna get blown outta the water as more folks try these fluent pet buttons. Creating a bridge where the animal can TELL US things opens up great understanding in the human pet relationship, and that's amazing! But a lot of folks are gonna have their preconceptions challenged by it

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I agree

[@elbertafisher4780]

Todd is so very amazing love that he's letting you know how happy he is

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you!

[@JasperIllusian]

I wonder if hes trying to say thanks bc he knows you did your best to take care of him by saying this

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

It is certainly a possibility

[@janelle9707]

The sensations of emotions, even with pain, are in similar stimulation. He is relieved that you are home... and sasatisfied. Animals especially cats worry in sorts. About being left for periods of time.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, he is always happiest when I am home. He is never left alone, he always has my wife and the two other kitties with him.

[@christinepyfrom6373]

I love his white pantaloons!!! Best dressed cat ❤

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Aww, thank you 😊

[@leonorlizardo9174]

What a smart lovely cat your Todd is. My kitty Sheba one day saw me miss last step and fall in front of her. Thereafter she would wait for me to go down first and she had always ran down quickly. They are so smart...miss her terribly.😻🍅

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, they are incredibly smart.

[@christinekrebs2420]

awwww. I love Todd.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@lourdest7592]

❤ so cute. I also had a tuxedo, but he went to heaven 2 months ago 😢. I miss him 😭

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I am so sorry for your loss. They are truly family and take a piece of us with them when they go. I'm glad you are here.

[@andreatimmers1720]

Todd is so darn smart!!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you 😊

[@elizabeth_777]

OMG I would babysit him🤗I wish they had invented these for my cats. Both have passed and I’m reluctant to have more. I know it’s inevitable though because I am a cat FREAK🤗I love what you do🤗

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Aww, thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you are here!

[@JonTanOsb]

Todd's head and heart hurting means he missed you because you were gone so long. My cat doesn't have a talking board, and I don't speak baby talk to her. When I'm gone for too long, she just hisses and grumps for a few hours before forgiving me. I always tell my cats when I'm going somewhere and how long I'm going to be. Still, if I'm not home by dark, I get the hiss from one and the other hides under the quilt on my bed. I always apologise right away. Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@letsbereal9455]

How do we know the cat intends to communicate and the owner isn't just doing a narration based on random buttons the cat pushes?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Watch more videos and I think you will see they are not random as they are in context

[@Danniku]

If I didn't know better (that cats need a lot of process time) I'd think he was delaying answering "what about Todd's head" just to leave you in suspense! I'm so glad he's "head happy". Are we going easy on kibble until his operation sites heal properly?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

He was cleared for his kibble again after day 12 post surgery. The vet thought to site looked good and was just a little irritated. He has a choice of foods, they are all on a prescription diet and have the option of wet or dry. Paulie and Glamour want wet and Todd wants dry.

[@n.jboltz599]

So when you took him back to the vet did you say you were concerned he was still in pain- or did you tell the vet Todd told you his head hurt? would be an interesting conversation to have with a vet I think 'my pet told me it hurts'

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I told him he talks with buttons. Because he said he'd he checked his ears, eyes, and sinuses just to be sure.

[@KajaKamisama]

This is incredible :O

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you!

[@kathrynsvendsen8319]

It’s amazing how many words Todd obviously knows. You can see him press some of the buttons multiple times until it speaks. It would be interesting to see how you teach him some of the more difficult words like ouch or emotions or time related words.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

All of Todd's training is done by modeling. Ouch took a little longer as I had to wait for something to happen. I would tell him he ouched Daddy when he would accidentally dig his claws in too hard when making biscuits on me. When I was cooking in the kitchen, he was underfoot and got his tail stepped on, I picked him up and apologized and told him Dad sorry for ouching Todd's tail. Etc.

[@Tyrrituil]

I notice his ears go quite back when your chair squeaks, you should oil that bad boy up for his ears!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I hadn't noticed that.

[@winterwhite110507]

I wonder whether "know" and "no" might be confusing, and whether "understand" might be clearer, but maybe Todd understands through context!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Possibly

[@jonbaker1697]

Interesting point. When speaking simple English to my cat. I say ' listen' instead of 'hear'. So I can use 'here' to mean only 'here'

[@jonrumney743]

Strange that some cats use buttons and other wont😎

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

No more than not, all people have the desire to learn a foreign language.

[@Skukkix23]

Well eventhough you're right to feel nervous, see it positively: your cat actually can communicate that it's head is hurting. Other cat's hunger themselves to the bones and the families don't understand why the cat won't eat. BTW Kendra from BilliSpeaks said that animals often have a much slower pace in answering, so don't be discouraged if he doesnt answer for a minute. You may bring somethin to the mix that adds more confusion than actually helping him speak. Wish you a great week

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thanks!

[@UnderstandingDarkness]

Armchair advice here: any possibility to feed him soft food while home? I know with business trips you leave kibble but maybe see if there’s a connection? Maybe head is teeth? 🤷‍♀️

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Todd is never left alone. He always has my wife and two other kitties. He also always has the option for wet food too. They eat prescription food, Glamour and Paulie like wet food, and Todd likes the dry. He had to eat it after his mouth surgery for 12 days, and he hated it. The only way I could get him to eat at all was to spoon feed him the wet.

[@UnderstandingDarkness]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks aww, that’s so sweet. 💞

[@Melsincatuation]

Of course 100 % some of these dogs and cats are communicating?! I was blown the other way when my older arthritic dog who uses buttons pushed the park button on a day we normally don't go. We go every other day to give her body rest. So I was surprised she pushed it but was ok lets go to the park. As I was getting her leash she stood over th buttons not moving. I went and pushed park and go. She waited for a couple Min I could smell her gears grinding.lol...she then pushed NO ANS THEN THE PARK BUTTON!!!!! YOU TELL ME THAT SHE WAS NOT USING OIR LANGUAGE TO COMMUNICATE!!!!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

That is amazing!

[@whocares_bear]

When you say "I love you" in a voice that's 3 times lower than your normal speaking voice it sounds negative and angry to the cat (same with dogs)

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

👍

[@TomiLoveless]

Dad where is Mom?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Mom is downstairs

[@elizabethbrauer1118]

My current cat Cosmo, M 4, won't let me hold him, pick him up or cuddle. He is the opposite of clingy. Perhaps I need these buttons to figure out why he is so anti-social. I have never had a male cat like this...very frustrating. I miss my Cary - RIP - a gorgeous tuxedo, lost at age 15. Love tuxedo cats!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

One of my cats is like that, too. You don't pick up or cuddle Glamour. Petting her without permission is even risky. Lol.

[@BangleWish]

I would rather have some Ketamine around for the kitty just in case. I can't stand the idea of him being in pain!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

🙂

[@racheljacobs933]

Thinking What he was trying to say after head. It seems to me like happy. Isn't the word He wanted, but it Worked. I wonder what his reaction would be to a button that's for better

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

He will eventually get that after he gets all the basic words he needs. Then we will start breaking down words and feeling into subgroups

[@racheljacobs933]

@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks That makes sense More or less, hes learning & second language Mean, living With you, I'd imagine he picked up some of these words already,.. I wonder what happens if you teach a kitten?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

​@racheljacobs933 I believe Jolin of Jolin Record was very young, she just turned 1 about 3 weeks ago and already has 20ish buttons.

[@phillip6083]

Im no psychologist but i am...if you listen to my daughter... The cat whisperer.. I tend to have a connection with them.i usually know what they think and i was doing the slow blink to them before it was common knowledge. What it looks like is todd is dealing with seperation anxiety.when he says head you give him slightly more attention.he also stated he doesnt want you to go. I suggest playing down your response to the head button unless he also says ouch .this could be a boy who cried wolf situation happening here. I know its hard to give them the attention they desire when your a working adult.maybe work out a way to reassure him your always coming home?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Thank you for your comment! I hear you and it makes sense, but i dont think so, heres why. I was concerned as Todd recently had oral surgery to correct issues that were causing pain in his mouth, so when he just learns head and back as, body parts then tells me ouch head I am concerned. The vet confirmed he had some irritation where he had a lesion removed biopsied. Todd has buttons for pets, hugs, belly rubs, and brushes and knows he can get all the attention he wants. Yes, he hates when I leave and tells me as much.

[@soonmoo614]

Does he have an "all done" button? I know he has "bye" but was just wondering so maybe he can learn to express when an ouch is all done. Also, as the pain was specific to his mouth, maybe that might be one of his next body part buttons since the entire head encompasses so much. Just a suggestion. Hope you are all having a great weekend!

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Yes, he had an all done.

[@terdragontra8900]

I don't doubt he understands (some) of the buttons, but my first guess is "Bye no" is probably random and you're reading too much into it. But that's not strange, most people read a lot of meaning out of their beloved pets and there's nothing wrong with it really.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

You should really watch more of the videos. He says this most times before and after I go on a trip. He understands the buttons and their concepts. An example is when he received his happy button he demonstrated that not only he understood the concept but was on his own able to use words he had to express concepts he did not have words for and had not been taught yet. When he was obviously unhappy because he saw me getting my suitcase out, he said Happy No. Not only did he k ow happy but understood he was not and able to express it. He has done things like this multiple times.

[@terdragontra8900]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks how did you teach him what "no" meant at first?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

@@terdragontra8900 He already knew the word from being used if he jumped up on the counter or tried to sharpen his claws on something he should not etc.

[@focusabove2960]

You should consider learning Reiki or any healing energy. You'll be surprised how much more you can help him.

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

I've not heard of that before, thank you.

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

Is that Todd Gack?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

???

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

@@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks Gack. Todd Gack.

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛ 🫶🏼

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊

[@debbiestarman4485]

Oh that was real scary. zzzzz

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Sorry you didn't care for the video and scary was referring to scary smart. Thank you for your comment, I appreciate your feedback and hope will find some of his other videos more entertaining,

[@bobrandom5545]

Ehh, I don't see any actual communication here. I just see a cat pressing buttons and noticing a reaction in the owner. Expecting a certain reaction from pressing a particular button isn't very surprising. You taught the cat to press certain buttons by giving it attention when it presses certain buttons. What's the mystery here?

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

Keep wat hing videos, you will see him request toys for the other cats, tell me what he wants to do later in the day, use the buttons he has to express concepts he does not have words on his board yet.

[@SainteAlia]

Priceless ! You are such a listener... it is heartwarming, and yet, it is heartbreaking to think of all those voices unheard... If only we would just look around us and respect all the intelligent beings around : we are surrounded ! I hope this brings awareness before it is too late . 🐱🐭🐮🦒🐰🐻🐔🦫🦩🦏🐨🦨🦁🐃🦊🐊🐼🐢🦈🐝🐳🌱🌍🌎🌏♥

[@TheChroniclesofToddToddTalks]

😊