Have you ever wondered what your cat would say if they could talk? While they may not have mastered human language (yet), pets are actually great at communicating. Dogs are often thought of as the more expressive pets, but cats have their own subtle and unique ways of “speaking” too. From soft purrs to long stares, your cat is constantly trying to tell you something. What if they could take it a step further and use actual words?
That’s where speech buttons come in. These are simple tools that allow pets to press buttons to “speak” certain words or phrases. Speech buttons have been popular with dogs for a while now, but cats can use them too. It might sound a bit out there, but there’s real potential for improving how we communicate with our pets. Imagine your cat being able to tell you when they want food, or when they’re ready for a play session. It could make life a lot easier!
Friendly Reminder!
Now, I’m no expert or professional trainer. I’m just a regular pet owner like you. I recently bought my first set of speech buttons and I’m excited to see how it goes. This is a learning process for me, and I’ll be sharing everything I experience—good, bad, and maybe a little chaotic—along the way. But I want to make it clear that my journey with speech buttons is just that: a personal journey. What I share in these articles shouldn’t be taken as medical or professional advice. Always consult a vet or pet behavior expert for any serious concerns.
My goal is simple: to help make yours and your pet’s life better. Whether you’re here because you’re curious or seriously considering trying out speech buttons with your cat, I’m happy to have you along for the ride. Let’s figure this out together, one button at a time!
So, What Are Speech Buttons for Pets -or Cats?
Pet speech buttons are exactly what they sound like—buttons that allow pets to “speak” by pressing them. Each button is programmed with a specific word or phrase. When your pet presses the button, they can “say” things like “food,” “outside,” or “play.” These buttons have been around for a while and were originally used in training dogs, but they can work for cats too.
Cats might not be as vocal as dogs, but they are just as capable of learning to use speech buttons. In fact, cats are often more independent and selective, which might make it even more rewarding when they finally figure it out. The concept behind these buttons is simple: they give pets a voice. Instead of guessing what your cat’s meow means, they could press a button that actually tells you what they want. How cool is that?
I personally discovered these buttons back in 2020 when I watched Stella, a dog whose journey with speech buttons went viral. Stella’s owner, a speech-language pathologist, started with just a few simple buttons for words like “outside,” “play,” and “water.” Over time, Stella has progressed tremendously. Now, she has a collection of more than 45 words and can even combine up to 5 words to create unique phrases. Stella can ask and answer questions, express her thoughts and feelings, make observations, participate in short conversations, and connect deeply with her owners.
This is just how things got started. In this article however, we’ll focus more on cats, exploring their potential to use speech buttons in similar ways. Keep reading for CAT-exclusive success stories! That’s right dogs aren’t the only ones who can talk the talk!
Speech Buttons with My Cats : My Journey So Far
I recently took the plunge and bought my first set of speech buttons for my cats, and I couldn’t be more excited! I got them just under a week ago on September 25th, so I’m still in the early stages of our journey together. The good news is that familiarizing my cats with the buttons has been a breeze! They’ve definitely noticed their two buttons, and I’ve already seen some curious taps and even a few accidental pushes from each of them.
Here’s a video of when they first saw their new buttons:
Training both of my cats at the same time has its challenges, but I’m embracing the learning experience. Even though I’ve known cats for 10 years, daily training is new territory for me. I’m exploring the best methods to make this work, and I plan to share my findings in future posts. The most important thing is that my cats are beginning to understand the buttons’ relevance, which means progress is happening!
This journey is just getting started, and I can already tell that it’s going to be a series of posts—there’s so much to share beyond just one or two articles! As I navigate this journey, I’ll be sharing it all here and in my YouTube channel as well.
Where to Find Speech Buttons For Pets? -Or Cats!
There are multiple types of buttons available in all shapes and sizes. Personally, I don’t believe one brand is better than another; it really depends on your cat’s preferences. In my case, I made my choice 100% based on my budget. Starting with affordable pet buttons is a smart move, especially if you’re unsure whether your cat will enjoy training. None of us want to invest in an expensive set only to have Mr. Whiskers give them the classic side-eye!
As long as your cat can press the button, the specific type doesn’t matter too much. Below, you can check out the buttons I bought for my cats. I was actually a bit worried about the size, but thankfully, they’re perfectly sized for my furry friends to press and activate!
You can find the set of buttons I bought on Amazon. Click here to see my set of Pet buttons.
(This is an affiliate link on Amazon, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you -Thanks for supporting us!)
Why Did I Get Into This, And Why You Should Too?
Where do I even Begin? There are several reasons to consider giving these buttons a try.
First and foremost, speech buttons can enhance communication between you and your furry friend. Instead of relying solely on meows and body language, your cat could use buttons to express their needs. Imagine knowing exactly when your cat wants to play or when they’re hungry without guessing!
Second, using speech buttons can strengthen your bond. Training your cat to use them creates an interactive experience that encourages engagement. It’s like learning a new language together! Plus, the process can be a lot of fun for both of you. I personally relate to this as my cats go through phases where toys just aren’t enough anymore! I find myself frustrated: “what am I missing here? Why are they bored AGAIN?” It turns out these small training sessions were what I needed.
Those few minutes you spend with your cat to teach them something go a long way. Training sessions don’t need to (and should NOT) last for too long! Just 5 minutes in the morning and another 5 in the evening will do the trick!
Lastly, and most importantly, it’s a wonderful way to stimulate your cat’s mind. Cats are curious creatures, and introducing new tools can challenge them and keep them mentally sharp. They need this for a healthy, happy life with you. It’s a win-win: you get to learn more about your cat’s personality, and they get to have some fun!
Let’s explore how you can get started!
How To Get Started with Speech Buttons for Cats
While I’ll be sharing a more detailed step-by-step guide in the future, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start Simple: Don’t overwhelm your cat with too many buttons at once. Begin with just one or two that represent something your cat already responds to, like “food” or “play.” The simpler, the better! (I’ll get more in detail in my step-by-step guide on what words are NOT recommended to be first! So choose wisely!)
- Consistency is Key: Place the buttons in areas your cat frequents and use them during routine activities. Every time you feed your cat or play with them, press the corresponding button. Repetition helps your cat understand the connection between the word and the action. This is exactly where I’m at now with my 2 cats.
- Keep Sessions Short: Training doesn’t have to take up a big chunk of your day. Just 5 minutes in the morning and another 5 in the evening are perfect for keeping your cat engaged without overwhelming them. The best way to know when it’s time to end the session is by keeping an eye on your cat’s body language. Cats WILL let you know when they’re done.
With these tips, you’ll be off to a great start! Remember, every cat learns at their own pace, so patience is important. Plus, your cat will appreciate the fun and mental stimulation that comes with learning something new.
Successfully Talking Famous Cats
Now that we’ve covered what speech buttons are and how to start using them, let’s take a moment to celebrate some inspiring examples of cats who have successfully mastered this unique form of communication. (I’ll keep talking dogs for another time since we’re focused on training cats this time).
Here’s a list of 6 (and counting!) talking cats that I know of: (please feel free to add more in the comments)
- Billi (@billispeaks) RIP 🌈
- The Daily Steve B (@thedailysteveb) RIP 🌈
- Justin Bieber The Cat (@justinbieberthecat)
- Winter (@akittynamedwinter)
- Todd – The Chronicles of Todd on YouTube
- Russel (@catmanjohn)
Wrapping It Up: Starting With Speech Buttons for Cats
Training cats to use speech buttons is a fun and rewarding journey that can open up a whole new world of communication between you and your furry friends. While I’m still at the beginning of this adventure, I’m excited to see where it leads and to share my progress with you along the way. Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering trying this with your cat, I hope my tips and insights have given you the confidence to give it a go.
Remember, every pet is different, and there’s no rush. Enjoy the process, celebrate the small wins, and most importantly, keep things fun for both you and your cat. Stay tuned for more posts where I’ll dive deeper into the training process and share more tips on how to make this journey a success!