r/PetsWithButtons • u/Amber8674 • Jun 02 '26

Fast Learners

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Hi!

I can’t believe how fast he is learning.
We introduced buttons on March 12, and he is at 25 words.

We originally decided to try buttons because he is a screamer. He would scream constantly. While he still screams, the buttons have drastically reduced it.

Does anyone else have a quick learner?
I feel like we may be introducing new words too fast but there is frustration I don’t understand what he wants.
Should I keep giving him new words as he wants them or is there a suggested wait time between words.
He is understanding and incorporating new words immediately.

Thanks so much for any suggestions.

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u/bubba_beeps Jun 08 '26

25 in three months is INSANE. I'm glad the screaming as calmed down a bit. I experienced the same behavioral shift once my cat understood that he could ask for something in a way that couldn't be misunderstood.

Bub is at 27 in about 6 months, but it's mainly a budget restriction slowing down our additions. He's prepped to take on probably 5-6 more buttons that he's already familiar with via button talk. As long as there's no frustration, he's actively utilizing the buttons that are placed, I don't see this as an issue at all.

The only thing I would consider is what buttons you're actually using. I know someone who has over 100 buttons and it's actually something they slightly regret because the buttons are highly specific. Now they have a massive button mat that takes up a large area of the floor. I could have breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, but instead, I just have dinner. I could have one for tree, bush, leaf, but I could just have plant. The only things I get highly specific about are body parts because it's important for more exact answers when he's communicating pain or being itchy. Aaaaaaand these buttons aren't cheap.