Summary: Dr. Con Slobodchikoff (Professor Emeritus NAU) believes we are close to developing a gadget that will translate what your dog or cat is saying into English words. While several novelty items are currently on the market, his work is based in science. Slobodchikoff says “So many people would dearly love to talk with their dog. With cats, I'm not sure what they'd have to say. A lot of times it might just be ‘you idiot, just feed me.'” Also, because most everyone has their own opinion on whether cats or dogs are smarter, a new study has created quite a stir when it suggested that dogs might have an intelligence edge over cats. On the other hand, a few other studies have shown that cats have a greater mathematical ability than dogs. Meanwhile, other less traditionally “smart” animals like fish and frogs, according to new research, are able to count. Also, things can get complicated if you are in a relationship that progresses to the point where you are thinking about moving in together. And if the other person is also bringing a pet to the new household then you have a lot to consider. Animal Radio News Director Lori Brooks has some good advice for pet parents who want to combine households.
