Unpopular Opinion

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Cat names make no sense and talking to animals is silly (files.catbox.moe)

submitted 1 year ago by j4k3@lemmy.world to c/unpopularopinion@lemmy.world

21 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I love my little cat. The idea of names and using words seems extremely silly to me.

My cat's real name is "wwhhq." It is a sound that is completely different than any word or sound I ever use. I also have a low volume high pitch whistle I can make that is barely audible to me and consists of a specific quick up-down-UP tone. She can hear that over any white noise and will usually respond, at least, more usual than most cats I've owned or been around. I'd call it a 90% response rate. No one else in the house can generate that kind of response from her, especially with a silly anthropomorphized name. I've gotten to the point where all words directed at an animal seem like unnecessary nonsense. They are only responding to tone and actions. So, I figure why not simplify my vocalizations to make my communication entirely on her level of tones and actions making my intent more clear and easy to interpret. It has worked really well for me over the last 9 years with my current cat. I don't think I will speak to a cat ever again.

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[–] AFKBRBChocolate@lemmy.world 12 points 1 year ago

If you mean it doesn't make sense to speak full sentences in a language to a cat and expect them to understand, then sure, I think the vast majority of people get that. Having a name for your cat goes make sense though - they learn to recognize their name and many will come when you call it. That name doesn't have to be a regular name or word, of course; there just recognizing a particular sound or sequence of sounds. You made up a new sound for your cat - that's no better or worse than calling it "Fluffy."

Cats do recognize other words, and can pick them out. Ours for sure knows "dinner," "hungry," "get down," and "up up." It's easier for us humans to use sentences though (e.g., "Are you hungry, do you want dinner?"). Also, a lot of people have pets for company, and it can feel less lonely to talk to your pet, even if they don't understand.

Interesting fact: apparently cats that aren't raised around humans don't meow much.