ABOUT US
How old is Billi?
14 years old.
When did she start using the buttons?
May 2020.
What was her first button?
“Food”! If I did it again I would start with “pets”, and not add a button related to food.
How did you teach her what the buttons mean?
Check out our “Getting Started” page for more information! Specific “how to’s” for words can be found there as well.
Where do you get the buttons?
The small buttons are made by FluentPet, the large by Learning Resources. Links for both can be found in the “Getting Started” page.
Does she really understand what the buttons mean?
We don’t know! I don’t think we can answer the depth of understanding with the current amount of information we have, all we can say is “does she press the button in the correct context the majority of the time?” For the most part the answer to that is yes. Overall, it’s great enrichment, and Billi really enjoys it. So that’s enough for me 😊 Further research updates will be added as we know more!
Is this an experiment?
Not exactly! It started as a fun thing for Billi and I to do together, and we joined an observational research study as a secondary thing. You can learn more about the study at our "Research" tab and here.
How did you and Billi meet?
I found her on the street while I was in undergrad in 2009. She caused a car accident chasing an RUS (Princess Bride reference, not sure if anyone will get that) across the road! Couldn’t find her home, so she became mine 🤗
Why does Billi’s back and tail twitch?
Billi has feline hyperesthesia (FHS), which is a poorly understood disease of cats that causes involuntary muscle spasms. Billi has a mild case. More information can be found here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hyperesthesia-syndrome
What do you do for a living?
I’m a veterinarian who specializes in zoo, aquatic, and wildlife species.
What buttons does she currently have?
Hello
Bye
Where
Oops
I don't understand
Want
What
Hmm?
No
Yes
Love you
Mom
Dad
Billi
Dog
Cat
Grandma
Friend
Squirrel
Bird
Auntie
Guppy
Daphne
Pets
Cuddle
Help
Play
Look
Food
Catnip
Mousey
Fan Toy
Worm
Bunny
Water
Zoom Zoom
Twirly
TV
Settle
Come
Sleep
Smell
Walk
Training
Hug
Toothbrush
Outside
Inside
Back
Ear
Chin
Tummy
Home
Work
Bedroom
Couch
Ouch
Mad
Happy
All Done
Noise
Later
Soon
Now
Then
Before
More
Morning
Afternoon
Night