Paw-Powered Communication
How my cat Ghost uses just a few buttons to communicate in his own animal way — and why conscious communication can open new worlds for you too.
A blog by Andy, the zflys Content Fairy.
From Adoption to Actual Conversation
Our first steps
In March 2024, I adopted my first cat, Ghosti, from Heroes for Cyprus Cats. He was almost a year old, curious, talkative, and quickly became my everyday companion.
My goal from the start was to see if he wanted to become an “adventure cat”: enjoying supervised outdoor time, leash walks, road trips, and travels wherever it was safe to bring him.
Training was part of our life together right away. And somewhere along the way, I stumbled upon a YouTube video of a cat communicating with buttons. Since Ghosti was already so vocal, meowing his thoughts on just about everything — I thought: why not try?
From Talkative Cat to Button Communicator
We started button training in January 2025. Despite a few breaks due to my health, travels, and the usual life interruptions, we’ve built a board with around 25 buttons that we use daily.
Ghosti picked it up quickly, and the results are both fascinating and hilarious. Some highlights from our button board:
- “Bye bye”: his way of telling guests they should leave our apartment.
- “Find it”: a game where I throw treats and he searches for them.
- “Betti”: bedtime is non-negotiable in Ghosti’s world.
- “Mom work all done”: when he wants me to stop working and give him attention, he knows exactly how to make his point.
And then there are the moments that tug at your heart. When I introduced the “Mom” button and left for an appointment, he pressed “Mom.” (I have an app that notifies me when he presses a button)
I nearly turned around and came back home immediately.
Of course, sometimes communication at 4am is less heartwarming. Like when he insists on “outside” or calls for his dog friend with “dog.”
But even those moments remind me of the richness of this shared language we’re building.
Enough reading.
What Is AIC Training?
Alongside Ghosti’s journey, I’m working toward becoming AIC Trainer certified. AIC (Animal Interactivity Communication) is a structured approach that teaches animals to use augmentative tools—like buttons—to communicate with humans.
What I love about AIC is that it’s not just a fun experiment; it’s grounded in research. There are studies showing that animals are capable of forming associations, combining concepts, and even initiating communication with humans when given the tools.
This growing body of scientific work supports what many pet owners like me are experiencing at home: communication between species is possible, meaningful, and worth taking seriously.
Ghosti’s Rules for Better Communication
One phrase from the AIC course resonated deeply with me:
“Communication is key in all relationships—human and non-human. To explore learning with your dog, cat, or human, you must respect the other mind involved in the process.”
That philosophy applies just as much in my professional life as a communication consultant as it does at home with Ghosti. Some of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from button training are:
1. Patience and Presence
Communication doesn’t happen on demand. It requires slowing down, observing, and listening deeply. In marketing and consultancy, the same is true — real insight comes when we take the time to notice what’s actually being expressed.
2. Clarity is Powerful
Each button represents a simple, unambiguous word. No jargon. No fluff. Just clear intent. Brands and humans alike benefit when their messages are just as clear.
3. Feedback Loops Matter
Ghosti sometimes presses the “wrong” button, or I misinterpret him. But every mistake becomes part of the learning process. In communication strategy, the same happens — audiences surprise us, and we adapt.
4. Trust Builds Connection
Ghosti has learned that his voice matters. That trust fuels his willingness to keep engaging. The same principle underpins every successful human relationship, whether between individuals, companies, or communities.
New Words, New Worlds
I’m excited to keep expanding Ghosti’s vocabulary with concepts like “love you,” “mad,” and “ouch,” and to see how far this journey of shared communication can go.
Ghosti may just be a small cat from Cyprus with a big personality, but he’s taught me more about communication than I ever expected.
Whether it’s through buttons, social media, or face-to-face conversation, the heart of communication remains the same: respect, clarity, patience, and connection.
And if my cat can learn to tell me when it’s time for bed, maybe we humans can learn to listen to each other just a little better too.
FAQ
What does AIC stand for?
AIC stands for Animal Interactivity Communication: a smart, scientifically grounded approach that helps animals communicate with us humans through tools like buttons.
Can every cat communicate with buttons?
Yes, as long as the cat wants to and doesn’t have severe physical or cognitive limitations. Not every cat wants or needs this, but there are blind, older, young, or differently-abled cats that successfully communicate with buttons. So it’s possible for most, as long as curiosity and motivation are there.
How can conscious communication improve everyday life with my pet or within a team?
Conscious communication builds understanding and trust — whether with a cat or with colleagues. It helps you clearly recognize needs, avoid misunderstandings, and create genuine connections. This makes everyday life more relaxed, more productive, and simply more enjoyable.
Takeaways
Ghost shows us how vibrant communication comes to life: with curiosity, patience, and the right tools. Whether human or cat — those who listen, understand, and actively engage create genuine connections that grow and last. Communication is a living loop that moves all of us forward.
