Do animals understand us?

Answer 1

No one would really know that, since we are not animals.

Answer 2

Many animals have a certain degree of understanding to humans. The degree of understanding depends on how close the animals are to us, physically and physiologically. Cats and dogs understand us better than trout and egrets because they live with us and they are mammals. Even with humans, the degree of empathy for and undertanding of another human depends on the person's proximity (experience) and similarity (cultural, philosphical) to the other person. I find also that it depends on metal capacity. Of course in animals, mental capacity ties in with the animal's degree of self-awareness. The higher the degree of self-awareness, the higher the degree of understanding humans.

Answer 3

I can quite happily say yes to this question. Every cat and dog I've had has understood me.

A cat that ive had since he was 2weeks old understands me no problem. When I talk to him he purrs.

I'll call him things like 'mummy's boy' and he rolls over onto his back and makes funny little mogwai sounds. As soon as I say 'do you want to go out and play'? he's up and straight to the front door!

He's pretty damn clever for a cat, and he's the only cat I know that enjoys playing in puddles!

Linda

Answer 4

It depends on the animal and on the way we choose to communicate.Animals don't use words,tthough certain primary mammals (chimps,uracotangs e.t.c.) have learn the use of ameslan-the deaf mutes hand-sign language and developed a vocabulary of up to 200 words.All animals have the ability to communicate,otherwise they wouldn't survive!It's the inability to associate their sounds,looks and movements with words who is a barrier between the communication of different species.Imagine you are in a remote African village,with people that have never seen a car or heard of electricity.Picture yourself trying to explain them that your cell's battery is dead and you need to recharge it!Multiply this difficult situation by a factor of 100,000 and you get the picture of how difficult is to communicate with something not human,with not common cultural background,not words (there is language,but no words) and not the same perception of environment!If you find this difficult,imagine the attempt to communicate with alliens!

Answer 5

Some things they understand, some things they don't. For example, my cats certainly understand when I'm upset about something and whether I'm upset with them or not, but I doubt they have the slightest clue why I can't just stay at home and play with them when I'm supposed to be at work.

Answer 6

Yes. If you use a praising and happy voice towards them, obviosly they understand that they have done something good. The same goes for using a low or angry voice, they will understand they have done something wrong.

Answer 7

i think so, i had a dog that was more noble than most people i know. he adored my children, and although he was a rottweiler, he was a big baby. he mothered a baby kitten for gods sake. he knew when i was sad, and was gentle. he knew when i was angry, and stayed very calm. he completely "got" me. people do not understand their animals a lot of the time actually.

Answer 8

yes of cource they do. for example my aunt has these two cats. there named r Felix and Oatmeal (don't ask about the name). anyway when i go over to my aunt's house sometimes me and my brother like fight on the ground so Oatmeal thinks that i'm really getting hurt. and my and my bro r like play fighting. my bro was like inches and secods away from Oatmeal biting him to get off me so they can sence if we r upset or hurt, etc so bottem line: YES! :-D

Answer 9

Yes but they don't always listen. its almost like we can understand them but by motions. that is the same idea.

Answer 10

Absolutely. Not all the time, but they learn to associate certain actions and words, with their meaning.