Todd Makes Kitty Sentences - Todd Can Haz Language Pt 3 

I'm glad you ended up making him a "mad" button because "no love you" is pretty harsh 😹😹😹

He is such a beautiful little smarty pantaloons! When he said “no love you” I laughed remembering that when my son was 5 he got mad and told me I couldn’t come to his birthday party.

There are three smart cats out there that combine buttons to make words they don’t have. Billi used “water” “outside” to describe rain. Russell of CatmanJohn used “ice” “outside” to describe cold. And Todd has combined words as shown here. But Todd is the only one I know that uses his back feet!

Todd is a really smart boy. I've heard people make the argument that cats aren't talking because it's just a reward cycle, but I don't think that's true. I think the rewards cycle is the tool used to get them to understand how buttons work. If I press this button, I will get the toy I want, if I press that button I will get the food I want. This is used to communicate to cats that the buttons have meaning. And early learners are on more of a rewards cycle because those are the only words they know. Some animals don't even make it that far. They just have no interest in buttons. But once you have a pet who is interested in the buttons, you increase their vocabulary beyond simple reward items, and your pet really starts learning to speak. They express feelings. They express timing. They make up their own words to get meaning across. It is very clear the animals who get that far along are trying to express things. I've heard animals call rain "window water." or name a human using a button because they didn't have much regular use for that button, or tell people when they need to be checked out for aches and pains and the vet finds things wrong that they were then able to catch early. People who say the animals aren't talking are missing out.

It’s quite obvious he has learned to communicate through the buttons. 🥰🙋🏼‍♀️

I just love when Todd makes sentences. And it is so cool when he talks about the time of day. He definitely knows what he is doing!

He's getting smarter and smarter. Todd is amazing!

I’m not sure why anyone thinks that our four legged friends don’t have the intelligence to do this.. it’s beyond me. Todd’s a very smart kitty

Just wanted to say thank you again for the video. The clips of Todd saying “no” to express his displeasure make me laugh no matter how many times I see them 😂 Every video confirms more and more that Todd understands exactly what he wants to convey to you. He’s such an intelligent (and affectionate) boy….I absolutely adore him and the bond you two have ❤

I love the way cats are so much more deliberate at pushing buttons most of the time. Dogs can be so chaotic it's hard to tell if it was intentional

That 4 word sentence was awesome. And the understanding of now and later. Such a smart boy!

The choices we constantly make between language efficiency and eloquence are influenced by countless factors. From a language professional perspective, I sure see Todd making some very deliberate choices, here and elsewhere. Sometimes it’s “Why press Want and Todd if just pressing Whirly will make Dad get the Whirly out”. A consideration we all make every day, and toddlers in particular. Other times it’s more along the lines of “Let’s play with this and see what I can make of it, that’s much more interesting.”

Todd is definitely speaking as conversation, he is communicating his thoughts, views feelings and observations. It clearly isn't all about button - reward. No, Todd is seriously a smarty pantaloons boy!😂❤😂❤

Todd is such a big brain boy. ❤ I also love seeing Pauli comfy and spread out on the floor hanging out with you and Todd (unlike the days of old when he wasnt welcome). Never can get enough of Todd and his antics. 😂

I am in awe of Todd's intelligence and his darling sweet beautiful ❤

Todd knows what he is talking about. It's interesting to see how his buttons have grown.

Todd makes me smile 😊he is a smart 🐈 😊😊😊😊

Todd is one very smart cat person ❤

love this little dude

There are children that don't get this much attention from their parents. There are parents that *_never_* play with their children, never read to them, never sing to them, and almost never hold them. 🗯 Children and animals know when they are loved, and when they aren't. It's always good to see that Todd, Paulie and Glamour are loved.

I'm so glad we have more cats on yt to follow billi's legacy. Todd is such a good boy.

Todd definitely understands! Also the time lapse from him asking to play to later saying 'now?' shows he has a good short-term memory, maybe longer than commonly thought for cats. I know my cats absolutely understand at least a couple dozen words, but seeing cats like Todd and Billie confirms to me that they're smarter than they get credit for!

Just in Awe how smart he is . ❤

❤ Todd, Glamour et al .. greetings from 🇨🇦. 🙏🏽✌🏽

He is definitely actively communicating with you and totally understands what you are saying too. Absolutely amazing. You asked which toy he wanted. Todd walks over and used a sentence to tell you.

Like when my kids were little saying they don't love me because I said no to something. 😂 The more words the better they could tell me how they felt. I see Todd doing this.

I think Todd shift from front legs to back legs because they are stronger and the button pushes with one push. Where as it takes him several tries for one word with his front paws. Have you noticed this as well? I love Todd and your bond together is amazing❤❤❤

Thank you for the compilation! I especially like to see Todd say and tap ”Meow Todd” !

You are correct that "want brush" (or "want whirly" or whatever) and "play now" are utterances that Todd does not need to make with two words, when he could just say "whirly" and get whirly time, or just say "brush" and get a brushing. For him to say "play now," and then, after you suggest several things for him to play, for him to go back and say "want whirly" instead of just "whirly" is very interesting, from an "animal language" perspective. "Want Todd Mousey" is interesting, too. I'm thinking "want Todd" is Todd's way of getting your attention on giving him something, then he seemed to take some time to think before he decided what he wanted just then was the Mousey.

Todd is really coming on with his multi word sentences, I loved the Morning and Later Evening comment, it proves he has a thought process! that boy is a genius!

Todd is the COOLEST cat!

Can’t wait! Just watching him, makes my heart smile - cause he has that special bond with you ❤❤❤ the funniest though was when he told on Glamour lol I really thought she was gonna give him another OUCh for that

Todd is so smart and cuddly ❤😊

I agree that Todd has a very clear and specific way he wants to express himself, and that he is creative when choosing his words with the buttons he got. Maybe he would need a "bored-button" soon after this last video when he was frustrated that he couldn't say what he wanted? I love to see his progress with the buttons. 😍

Forget the 10-finger typing system - Todd is using the 4-feet typing system!

As someone who did graduate research in animal communication, the "time-keeping" words are the most surprising to me. Soon, later, before, etc. Although times of day, like morning and evening, make perfect sense to teach (all mammals have diurnal cycles that are important to them), "Morning later Evening" is something I would never have considered a cat might be at all interested in saying, and I still can't imagine how you taught "before" or "later" at all.

A great compilation of Todd's ability over time. He looks to you to see if you understand his request or sometimes looks deep in thought.

👍👍👍

❤👍💖

Darn it I have to be leaving for work at that time but I will see it when I get home. :)

I would love to see Jackson's reaction to this series. Todd can indeed have language and I am so glad he does. The adorable fluffball :) Also, since you installed the mad button does Todd still press no love you or want dad no? I love how his brain figured out how to express his displeasure at you not hopping to do what he asked xD So so clever!

Good morning from East Hollywood, California. Looking forward to seeing the kitties!

He needs a "bored" button ;-)

Genius!!

Thanks! Very Interesting.

So how did you teach time to Todd? Now, later, soon?

Correction to the notes part: Todd is 7 now, right? 😺