I frequently have clients ask why their cat, dog, or even horse is demanding attention, yet everything they try to offer does not seem to placate it. So, what are they asking for? What is their pet trying to say?
Typically, this behavior occurs when the human is trying to finish a task. The human might be working or even just browsing the internet, but it is always when the human is engaged in a task. So why do they pick this most inconvenient time to demand attention? Let’s explore some possibilities. Before we get started, we need first to understand our own belief system. This is unique to each person and there is no right or wrong answer. Aristotle, in all his wisdom (384bc – 322bc) treated animals as simple-minded, aware of nothing more complex. Animals were classified on a natural scale with humans at the top. It would take a millennium to break this belief. Today, Zoologists, animal behaviorists and the like ask what about intelligence? Self-Awareness? Problem-solving? Memory? Dreaming and imagination? Even mental time travel, demonstrated by planning an attack ahead of time. This is documented and the story is shared in a book called “Are we smart enough to how smart animals are.” By Frans De Waal What is your belief system? Are you on board with the idea they could have self-awareness and possibly even problem-solving beyond those considered simple-minded tasks? If so, is it possible your pet may be trying to get you to take a moment away from your much-important task in the hopes you may shift your consciousness and become more grounded? Story time: I once had a client that wanted to know what their cat was trying to say. OK, that makes sense, she called an animal communicator. The struggle was that her cat would meow and cry to the point her person would get up and check to be sure she had food and water. She would double-check the litter box. She would even try to throw a favorite toy to see if she would get distracted and let her get back to her work. (cat) “Ask her what she is doing when I am crying for attention.” (human) “It usually happens when I am working. I work from home so it is really troublesome when she gets this way.” (cat) “Ask her how long she has been working before the cat starts this behavior.” (human) “My days are very busy so it could be 3 or 4 hours into my work day. I make sure she has everything she needs before I start work. What does she need that makes her so relentless to get my attention?” (cat) “Ask her how she feels after she got away from her desk.” This is when it becomes clear that her cat recognizes when her human needs to take a break from work. Even if it is just 10 minutes following her cat aimlessly through the house. Her human was so astonished. She had never put the two together before. She admitted that the task seems clearer and easier to complete once she steps away, at the demand of her cat. How often have you had a friend, partner, or loved one suggest you should take a break? In this story, the part of a friend was her cat. The message was to take a break. Your energy is drained. You are not as productive as you could be. Now, instead of getting frustrated, well she probably still gets frustrated by the interruption, but now when she succumbs to her cat's demand for attention she understands it is time for a break. She still makes sure the cat has her needs met but now adds one more item. Making sure her human is grounded and in a good mental state. This story demonstrates the capacity for pets to have awareness of their humans emotional, energetic, and mental state and offer a distraction. When put in those terms it is pretty easy to believe. Animals, especially dogs, have a remarkable ability to form bonds with humans and pick up on emotional and physical cues. Over time, many pets do seem to naturally learn how to respond to their owners’ needs—whether it's recognizing when someone is upset, needing comfort, or noticing signs of physical distress. It might not always be as precise or reliable as formal training, but the connection between humans and animals is powerful. Some pets seem to instinctively know when their humans are in pain, anxious, or experiencing other challenges. It’s almost like a kind of silent communication based on trust and observation. While specialized training certainly fine-tunes this ability, it’s possible that pets could offer support just by learning from their environment and their owner’s behavior. Do you have any experiences with pets picking up on your emotions or needs? The belief in the deep connection between humans and animals is important for several reasons. It highlights the idea that animals are not just companions, but sentient beings capable of understanding and responding to our emotional and physical states.
Do you see that belief as a kind of affirmation of the bond you share with your pet? What will go through your mind the next time you are browsing on your phone, in the middle of work, trying to solve a problem, and your pet begins to demand attention? I hope you will see them as a friend telling another friend it is time to take a break, get grounded, and be present. A few treat and play time won’t hurt either.
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AuthorMarla Santino is an animal communicator dedicated to being the voice of the pet. ArchivesCategories |