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There’s some big news for baby talkers. And the rest of us that use those high-pitched special voices with our pets. You know the ones you’d be mortified if anyone ever heard?!
Well, it turns out dogs and cats adore them.
And here’s why…
When they were puppies and kittens, their parents used high pitched calls to communicate with them. And now, research out of Hungary from the Eotvos Lorand University shows that YOU doing it reminds them of the same comfort and safety their slightly hairier parents gave them*. Yep, using those voices officially cements you as their parent!
Interestingly, cats respond much the same way as dogs. With one important difference. They only respond to 'baby talk' from their owners*. It doesn't get a noticeable reaction from strangers.
But here’s the really special part. You using the high pitched voices with them, makes them more likely to use higher pitched sounds back to you.
Yes, you now officially have a love language!
References:
1. Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.
2. Charlotte de Mouzon, Paris Nanterre University, France.
2. Charlotte de Mouzon, Paris Nanterre University, France.
Written, fact checked and baby talk by veterinarian, Dr Chris Brown BVSc (Hons).
