Poll reveals how much we love to ‘converse’ with our cats and dogs

The Editor’s Mum’s cat, Blackie: a feline of few words but the eyes tell me where I stand.

In the classic tale of Dr Dolittle, a widowed veterinarian has the uncanny ability to speak to animals. Actual conversations. But it seems the phenomenon of chatting to animals is not something strange to Australian pet owners.

A recent poll revealed that more than 90% of Australians talk to their dogs and cats as if they were humans, showing just how close we are to our treasured pets.

The poll, conducted by pet insurer Budget Direct and responded by 1000 Australians, found some 93% of them said they spoke to their dog or cat, in fact, as if they were simply another member of the family.

Almost 60% said they regularly spoke to their dog or cat like a human, while a further 34% said they spoke to their dog or cat like a human ‘sometimes’. A measly 7% said they never engaged with their dog or cat on a human level.

Said a Budget Direct media liaison: “We share such a special bond with our dogs and cats and this really shows just how much they are a part of the family unit and the companionship they provide. In the case of dogs, it turns out they really are our best friend.”

The reasons for conversing on a human level with your dog or cat were varied. The top response was ‘My pet is part of my family’ with 72%, while another 36% said ‘My pet is like my child/best friend’.

Another 32% said ‘I’m sure they understand me’, while 28% said their dog or cat was a ‘great listener’.

To add to that special relationship, dogs and cats are often included in special occasions, with 37% getting birthday and Christmas presents every year from their owners, while an outstanding 60% of pet owners say they’ve taken their dog or cat on a holiday at least once.

The Cream office pooch, Ringo, asking where the other toys at. He is CEO, after all.

Our pets are making themselves right at home these days, with 60% of owners saying their dog or cat was always allowed on the couch or furniture, while another 30% said ‘sometimes’.

Overall, the results show just how much our dogs and cats are at the heart of Aussie families.

Lisa Andrews

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