Sign Language for Cats

Read the story of Kim Silva, a former teacher at the American School of the Deaf who taught her three furry felines at home Sign Language.
Pets Team 01 April 2015

She knew she was about to adopt Bambi, an adorable but deaf cat, so Kim Silva decided to teach Bobcat (the furry feline already at home) American Sign Language (ASL) to prepare him for Bambi’s arrival. Both Silva and her husband have hearing disabilities as well, and she was formerly a teacher at the American School for the Deaf. She was used to having children as students, but teaching ASL to cats was a different ballgame altogether.  Nonetheless, she was determined to help Bambi. 

(Bobcat gives Silva a high five.)

Thankfully, Bobcat was a natural at ASL. “He immediately understood,” says Silva. After successfully teaching Bobcat, Bambi was next. With her elder brother as an example, Bambi quickly caught on and learnt the language as well. Today, all three of her cats—Bambi, Bobcat and Thomasina—understand her ASL cues. They respond to instructions like “stay”, “come” and “high five”! 

(L-R: Thomasina, Bobcat and Bambi)

 Watch them here: 

For more, read here http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/26/cats-sign-language_n_6940892.html.