Psychology says people who talk to their pets like humans typically display these 8 emotional traits

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | May 26, 2025, 4:52 am

There’s something intriguing about the way we interact with our pets. Especially when we start chatting with them as if they were human.

Psychology has a lot to say about this habit. It turns out, those of us who talk to our pets like people often exhibit eight distinct emotional traits.

Let’s dive into these fascinating characteristics and see what they reveal about our relationships with our fluffy, feathered, or scaled companions.

Buckle up for an insightful journey into the minds of pet owners. Trust me, you’ll never look at your dog or cat conversations the same way again.

1) Empathy

It’s no secret that individuals who communicate with their pets as if they’re human are often incredibly empathetic.

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a powerful trait that’s not confined to human relationships. It extends to our pets too.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? When you’re talking to your cat or dog as if they’re another person, you’re actively trying to understand their perspective. You’re stepping into their world and trying to communicate in a way they might understand.

This empathic communication style can lead to a deeper, more meaningful bond between humans and their pets. It shows that not only do you care for your pet’s physical needs, but you also value their emotional wellbeing.

But remember, empathy isn’t just about understanding. It’s also about responding appropriately. So next time you find yourself chatting with your pet, consider what your responses might mean in their world.

2) Natural nurturers

In my personal experience, I’ve noticed that people who talk to their pets like humans are often natural nurturers.

For instance, I have a close friend named Sarah who has a knack for nurturing. She’s the kind of person who will go out of her way to make sure everyone around her is comfortable and happy.

When we were roommates in college, I noticed that she would have full-blown conversations with her cat, Whiskers. She would ask him how his day was, coo at him when he did something cute, and even scold him gently when he knocked over a plant or two.

It was clear to me that Sarah’s nurturing nature wasn’t confined to her human relationships. It extended to Whiskers too. Her conversations with him were just another way for her to express care and concern.

So next time you find yourself talking to your pet as though they’re human, take a moment to consider that this could be a manifestation of your nurturing spirit.

3) High emotional intelligence

When you’re talking to your pets as though they’re human, it could be an indicator of high emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is all about recognizing, understanding, and managing our own emotions and the emotions of others. It’s a powerful skill that can enhance our relationships and improve our overall wellbeing.

Interestingly, a study found a strong correlation between pet attachment and emotional intelligence. The research suggests that individuals who form strong bonds with their pets, often through human-like communication, tend to have higher levels of emotional intelligence.

This ability to connect on an emotional level with non-human beings shows an impressive capacity for empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation – key components of emotional intelligence.

So if you’re someone who enjoys a good chat with your furry friend, take it as a compliment to your emotional intelligence!

4) Open-mindedness

Ever find yourself chatting away with your pet and then suddenly pause to think, “Wait, am I the only one who does this?” Well, you’re not alone, and this trait might just be a sign of your open-mindedness.

Open-minded individuals are often more accepting of different perspectives and experiences, even when it comes to communicating with non-human beings. They understand that language extends beyond words and can include a variety of signals such as body language, tone of voice, or even a simple purr or wag of the tail.

This willingness to embrace unconventional methods of communication shows a level of flexibility and adaptability. It’s a sign that you’re comfortable stepping outside societal norms and exploring new ways to connect and communicate.

So next time you catch yourself having a heart-to-heart with your pet, remember it’s not weird – it’s just another testament to your open-minded nature.

5) Deep emotional bonds

This one strikes a chord deep within many of us. We all know that our pets are more than just animals; they’re part of our family.

When we talk to our pets like humans, it reveals a deep emotional bond that transcends species. It’s not about them understanding every word we say, but rather about the feeling of connection and mutual trust that it fosters.

Our pets don’t judge us. They love us unconditionally and are always there for us, offering comfort in their unique, non-verbal ways. In return, when we communicate with them as we would with our fellow humans, it’s our way of showing that we value this bond.

It’s a beautiful thing to be able to share our lives with these furry, feathered, or scaled family members. And talking to them like humans only strengthens this special bond. The next time you find yourself sharing your deepest thoughts with your pet, remember the depth of the emotional bond you share.

6) Innate comforters

I’ve always found animals to be the best listeners. When I was going through a particularly tough time a few years ago, I found solace in my dog, Oliver.

Oliver and I would sit together in silence, or sometimes, I’d find myself talking to him about things I didn’t feel comfortable sharing with anyone else. He didn’t understand my words, but he seemed to understand my feelings. His presence was comforting and provided a sense of companionship when I needed it most.

People who talk to their pets like humans are often innate comforters. They understand that sometimes, all we need is a listening ear – or in this case, a wagging tail or a soft purr.

These individuals have the ability to create a safe space for themselves and their pets, one where communication transcends language barriers and reaches straight into the heart. It’s a beautiful trait that adds depth to the human-animal bond.

7) Creativity

Ever found yourself making up stories or scenarios involving your pets? Maybe your cat is a secret agent on a mission, or your dog is a superhero protecting the house. If so, it’s a sign of your creative flair!

People who talk to their pets like humans often have a creative streak. They use their imagination to bring their pets into their world, creating narratives and dialogues that might seem absurd to others, but make perfect sense to them.

This creativity isn’t limited to storytelling. It also extends to problem-solving and the ability to see things from different perspectives – both invaluable skills in many areas of life.

So next time you find yourself having a vivid conversation with your pet, enjoy it! It’s just creativity in action.

8) Deep sense of companionship

At the heart of it all, people who talk to their pets like humans often have a profound sense of companionship with their furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Pets are more than just animals to them; they are friends, confidants, and family.

This profound connection is the foundation of the human-animal bond. It’s a mutual relationship that provides companionship, emotional support, and unconditional love.

When we talk to our pets like humans, we reinforce this bond. We acknowledge their presence in our lives not just as pets, but as integral parts of our world.

Remember, it’s not about whether they understand every word we say. It’s about the emotional connection we share. And that connection is something truly special.