Nearly half of pet owners convinced their furry friends understand them – Wales Online
A recent study of 2,000 cat and dog owners has revealed that almost half of them believe their pets understand them, with 27 per cent even thinking that their pets communicate back. The findings also show that a significant 95 per cent of pet owners feel they can interpret their pet’s body language, while 90 per cent claim to understand their verbal communication as well. However, despite this perceived understanding, 55 per cent of pet owners admitted to struggling to comprehend their pets at times, leading to feelings of frustration (23 per cent) and worry (22 per cent).
Clinical animal behaviourist, dog trainer, and author Karen Wild weighed in on the topic, stating that dogs and cats exhibit clear signals of their emotions that owners need to learn to recognise. She highlighted the importance of observing the pet’s entire body, not just one part, to understand their feelings fully. For example, when a dog rolls onto its back, it may not always be a sign of relaxation, as commonly believed. Wild explained that giving pets space to show their preferences for interaction is crucial in understanding their needs. Cats, on the other hand, display different expressions through their whisker movements, indicating their stress levels.
The study also found that 72 per cent of pet owners often speak out loud to their pets, enhancing their bond, with 43 per cent feeling that there are unique aspects of communication between them and their pets. Despite this, many pet owners have sought help from animal experts or online resources to decipher their pets’ behaviours and body language.
Dr. Cathryn Mellersh from The University of Cambridge Veterinary School’s canine genetics centre emphasised the deep-rooted relationship between humans and dogs, noting that dogs have evolved to understand human body language and emotions. She highlighted the importance of understanding a pet’s breed mix, health, traits, behaviours, and genetic background to strengthen the bond between owners and their pets.
The survey conducted by OnePoll also revealed that nearly half of pet owners believe their pets can sense feelings of sadness, while 45 per cent think their pets respond to their stress or anxiety. Dr. Mellersh noted that different breeds exhibit varying behaviours influenced by genetics, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of pets to enhance the owner-pet relationship.
Overall, the study highlights the complex and intricate relationship between pets and their owners, emphasising the importance of communication, observation, and understanding to foster a strong bond and mutual understanding.