A new survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners has uncovered the top 25 questions they wish they could ask their furry companions, ranging from 'Are you happy?' to 'Do you ever judge me?' The findings come as pet insurer Petgevity launches its first podcast focusing on neurodiversity in pets.
Key Findings
The study revealed that 54% of owners frequently wish they could converse with their pets to better understand their thoughts and feelings. Roughly one in ten cat owners have pondered whether their feline might be scheming, while 36% suspect their cat can read their mind. Among dog owners, one in five are curious if their pet could be autistic, and many wonder if their animals experience jealousy or pass judgment on them.
Petgevity Podcast Launch
Petgevity commissioned the study to coincide with the launch of its first podcast, exploring neurodiversity in pets. Actor James Hoyles, known for his role in Doctor Who, has joined forces with the insurer alongside his dog Trevor the Iggy. Hoyles commented: 'Having a pet means you never stop learning, especially when you realise just how complex they can be. No pet is the same – every animal is different and will have different needs, and it is completely normal to have questions you never expected to ask.'
Owner-Pet Bond
The survey also found that 88% of owners are confident they understand their pet, with 41% claiming their pet understands them better than any human. Four in ten frequently talk to their pet as if they were human, seeking advice on major life decisions like a new job or a relationship breakup. Many owners imagine their pets have human-like qualities, such as a preferred food (43%), a sense of humour (32%), or caring about appearance (21%). Pressing questions include 'What's your favourite thing we do together?' (34%) and 'Do you wish I did anything differently?' (33%).
Kerry Willecome, pet insurance expert at Petgevity, added: 'They aren't just pets but friends and members of our family. We develop deep meaningful connections with our pets, which is why it's always worth seeking trusted advice when something doesn't seem quite right. And the fact owners always have questions about their furry friends just goes to show how much they want to understand their pets and make them happy.'
The Top 25 Burning Questions
- Are you happy?
- Do you like your life?
- Do you understand every word I say?
- What's your favourite thing we do together?
- What is actually happening in that head?
- Do you wish I did anything differently?
- What's your favourite type of food?
- Do you like me?
- Does my cat/dog love me?
- Which family members do you like and dislike?
- Do you ever talk about me to other animals?
- Do you ever judge me?
- Do you ever get jealous?
- Have you ever considered running away?
- Do you secretly know more than me?
- If you could create a new rule for the house, what would it be?
- Do you ever visit other humans' houses?
- Are you plotting something?
- Have you ever fallen in love?
- If you had a secret talent, what would it be?
- If you could speak any language, which would you choose (besides animal-speak)?
- If you could swap bodies with any animal for a day, which would you choose?
- Can you read?
- Would you like being famous?
- Are you the one who keeps stealing the remote?
