5 Things Your Pet Is Really Thinking

Your pet is almost certainly thinking about you, and a fair bit of it is gentle judgement. We cannot read their minds, but anyone who has shared a home with a cat or dog can guess. Here are five things your pet is probably thinking, with a bit of real-life sense for each. If you are still learning your pet's moods, our new pet parent hub is a good place to start.

Pets are better company than most people, and we will say it. They do not talk back, they do not start unnecessary drama, and they ask for very little. They cuddle up when we are cold, sit on our laps when we are sad, and are always ready to celebrate when we walk in. They also give us endless photos to post. But just because they cannot speak does not mean they are not thinking. They simply hide it behind a slobbery smile or a soft purr.

1. "Please stop talking to me in a baby voice"

You use a normal voice with other humans and a squeaky one with your pet. From where they sit, that must look odd. If they could talk, they might ask you to speak the way you would to any friend.

The funny part is that most pets do respond to a happy, higher tone. Still, a few habits make life easier for both of you:

• Use a calm, steady voice for instructions, so your pet learns what counts as a cue.
• Keep the sing-song tone for greetings and praise.
• Remember they are your fur babies, but they are not actual babies. Respect their space and their moods.

2. "Why do you keep throwing the ball away?"

Dogs in particular are trying their best. You lose something, they find it. So when you hurl a toy across the park, they run, grab it and bring it back, probably wondering if you are broken. Why would anyone throw away something so good?

Fetch is a wonderful game, and it works better when you play it with a few simple rules:

1. Pick one word for the game, such as "fetch", and use it every time.
2. Reward the return with praise, so coming back to you always feels good.
3. Ask for a drop before you throw again.
4. Stop while your pet still wants more, so the game stays fun.

3. "Why are you not saving the human in the box?"

At the end of the day, you sit on the sofa, switch on the television and your pet curls up beside you. They watch you stroking their belly while people on the screen run, shout and fight. Why are you doing nothing to rescue them?

Cats may have a different theory. They love boxes, and a screen looks a lot like one. Many cats walk right up to the television, probably searching for a way in. If your cat enjoys screens, you may like our post on 5 online games that cats love.

4. "How can you bathe every day, on purpose?"

Social media is full of videos of calm cats and dogs enjoying their baths. Meanwhile, you are standing in a puddle with claw marks on your arms. Your pet may well be wondering what you do in that room every evening, and why you walk in willingly. As far as they are concerned, water is the enemy.

If bath time is a battle in your home, a few kind habits can help:

• Stay calm. Pets pick up on your mood quickly.
• Keep sessions short and gentle.
• End on something nice, like a cuddle, a favourite toy or a quiet moment together.

For anything about your pet's skin, coat or comfort, speak to your veterinarian.

5. "How come you are allowed on the couch?"

Some families let pets onto the sofa because it is already well loved. Others guard their furniture so fiercely that it lives under a plastic cover. Either way, your pet is probably asking why you get the best seat in the house while they do not.

They will often climb up the moment you leave the room, just to check. Whatever your house rules are, the secret is to keep them the same every day. Pets feel safer when the rules do not change with your mood. A few ideas:

• If the sofa is off limits, give your pet a comfortable bed of their own nearby.
• If the sofa is allowed, set a cue such as "up" and "off", so it stays polite.
• Keep a washable throw on the seat if you like a tidy home.

What your pet might really be saying

These five thoughts are playful guesses, but your pet does communicate all the time. Tail position, ear angle, eye contact, a slow blink or a sudden turn away all say something. Learn to watch your pet's body, and you will understand them far better than any guess can. Our guide on how to communicate better with your dog has practical tips, and talking to your dogs looks at the technology people are building to decode animal sounds.

A few simple habits go a long way:

• Spend a few minutes a day just watching your pet, without your phone.
• Notice what changes when visitors arrive, when you leave and when you return.
• Reward the behaviour you like, and calmly redirect the rest.
• Give them somewhere to retreat when they need peace.

For more on living well with your pet, visit our pet life in India hub, and see responsible pet parenting for everyday good habits.

Frequently asked questions

Do pets really judge us?

Nobody can say for sure. Pets certainly react to your tone, your routine and your mood, and they notice a lot. Treat the judgement as a joke and the attention as real.

Is it bad to use a baby voice with my pet?

No. A warm, happy tone is fine for greetings and praise. Just use a calm, steady voice when you want them to follow a cue.

Why does my cat stare at the television?

Moving shapes catch a cat's attention. Many cats find screens fascinating, and some will walk right up to them.

Why does my pet get on the couch when I leave?

Pets love comfortable, warm spots that smell like you. A cosy bed of their own nearby, and steady house rules, usually help.

Our pets love us, and we love them. Let us be glad we cannot read their minds.

By Team Stepevoli.