BilliSpeaks
Her MADjesty’s Palanquin: A DIY Guide For A Cat Hiking Perch | BilliSpeaks
updated
Grief is a weird rollercoaster. When the 5 Stages of Grief are described, it sounds like a linear process. First this stage, then the next, then finally you reach the end. The reality is… not that. It’s a jumbled mess where you can experience all stages at once, skip stages, circle back around, and start all over again. Sometimes all in one day! Some days my grief lives in an easier to manage layer, where I can focus on the amazing life Billi and I shared. Other days I’m not sure how I’ll ever navigate my world without her. The smallest things trigger memories and you can get caught in a wave of despair.
I was surprised how much going back through photos and videos helped me. I assumed it would be too painful, but it’s been the opposite. Putting this tribute together was quite cathartic, and remembering everything we’ve done together has helped me process.
So in honor of Her Madjesty, Queen Billi, Squish, a celebration of a life lived to the fullest. Gone, but never forgotten. I love you 💜
Today I took a hike in her honor. I sat at the top, looked through photos and released a clip of her fur over the wildflowers while everyone on the trail looked askance at the woman sobbing every time she found another piece of fur on her shirt. It’s hard to put into words how incredible she was, it’s even harder when you can barely see through the tears.
Billi was the best thing to ever happen to me. I’m forever going to be grateful that she ran across a road fifteen years ago, causing a car accident and beginning a journey that was filled with more love, laughs, and guarding of food than I ever imagined was possible.
She loved new adventures, and was a trooper as we lived in 2 countries, 1 US territory, 7 states, driving across the country 7 times, and sleeping through countless other drives and plane rides. She took it all in stride, absorbing the world with her Disney princess eyes. She loved food (extra special shoutout to Doritos nacho cheese), had zero issues telling me when she was mildly inconvenienced (“mad”), and was the cat that could turn the most extreme “not a cat person” into a diehard cat fan. She touched so many lives, and I hope she knew how loved she truly was.
I have a Billi sized hole in my heart that will never go away, and that’s ok. She gave me far more than I ever deserved, and I know without a doubt we shared the deepest of love. Rest in peace Squish, you’re pain free and never have to see Guppy again 💜
I’m hoping with the adjustments she’ll continue to be stable for a bit longer, but ultimately I’m looking out for her quality of life (much more important than just extension of life)! I’m so lucky Billi works with me for her care, it makes this palliative stage much easier on both of us 🥰
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I work as a zoo relief veterinarian (think travel nurse, but for veterinarians) which means I travel for extended periods. Billi is a great little traveler, and is very comfortable in the car and new places! Dad will pop in to visit as he can, but we won’t be back home for a bit.
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Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
Deciding to travel with Billi right now was something I absolutely agonized over. Rest assured I considered all options, and at the end of the day she’s my priority and FAR outweighs my job. I thought long and hard about how far Billi could reasonably travel, and have made sure she was stable before we left. Ultimately Billi could decline anywhere, I don’t have a crystal ball to know how long I have left with her 😢
Happy to see her settling in, and that the travel didn’t seem to stress her overly. Thankfully she’s quite experienced at it!
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I work as a zoo relief veterinarian (think travel nurse, but for veterinarians) which means I travel for extended periods. Billi is a great little traveler, and is very comfortable in the car and new places! Dad will pop in to visit as he can, but we won’t be back home for a bit.
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Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
1. They aren’t grooming as much. It takes energy they may not have!
2. As mammals age, the elasticity of the hair decreases. You see this in humans as they get older too. It’s a normal aging process, and not always indicative of disease.
3. The disease process itself can affect growth rate/type.
Billi is still grooming, but infrequently. She does like to be brushed, but it’s not a substitute for her tongue! Luckily she’s short haired, so mats don’t occur as frequently as a long haired cat.
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Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
Her button use is markedly less. She used to press about 100-300 buttons per day (depending on how much time a human spent at home with her on a given day), now a verbose day is about 10 presses. Her appetite is a bit worse, but she’s still eating, and she’s still showing interest in outside, easy play time, and as always: cuddles. We’re focused on making her as comfortable and happy as possible in the time she has left!
For more information on Billi’s health, check out the Medical Playlist.
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Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
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✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
FAQs:
1. What about Feline AIM (apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage)/the research out of University of Tokyo/check out Claire LuvCat?
This is a great question, and there’s a short answer and a long answer. The short answer is this is VERY new research, we don’t understand the full impact yet, it’s not available in the United States.
The longer answer (not as in depth as the long answer) is the current publications on feline AIM are focused on ACUTE kidney injury, and while results are promising in regards to protecting kidney function, it’s a far cry from extrapolating to this being a cure all for chronic kidney disease in cats (especially polycystic kidney disease which is congenital). I’m excited to see where the research goes, but the reality is research takes time.
2. Is Billi on [insert medication here]?
One good thing about being my cat’s vet is that I can adjust her medications as needed! It’s handy during the end stages when she can have good and bad days. Rest assured between myself, Squirrel friend (also a vet), and Billi’s internist we have Billi’s medication down! Not all cats need the same cocktail, so what Billi is on may not be the same as another cat with CKD.
3. How long does she have left?
I don’t know! Progression of renal failure is individual, and based on so many factors. Based on the most recent retrospective analysis the majority of cats in stage 4 did not live beyond ~100 days. Most does not mean all though, and some cats had less or more time depending on their individual factors. I’m focused on quality of life over extension of life, so as long as Billi feels ok we’ll keep going 💜
4. We haven’t seen any updates! Is she ok?
In general, no news is probably good news. Or at the very least static news! I’m focused on Billi over content creation right now, so it doesn’t necessarily mean she isn’t doing well if I don’t post for a bit.
Again, thank you all for the overwhelming show of love and support. It means more than words can adequately express!
If anyone is interested in learning more about IRIS staging, check it out here: http://www.iris-kidney.com/education/education/index.html
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Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
Kidney disease is progressive. Always. We can slow progression and manage symptoms associated with impaired function, but we can’t stop it completely and we can’t reverse it. Which sucks. Truly, deeply, horrendously, sucks. We’ve come a long way in how we manage kidney disease in cats (even within the last couple of years), so I have hope that in the future it may be different, but right now I don’t have any big saves. The name of the game is palliative care, and trying to maximize the number of good days we have left.
I’m trying to stay in the present and take this one day at a time, because my brain cannot comprehend what life is going to be like without her. Going to focus on being with Billi and savoring all the time we have left, so posts may be less frequent than they have been historically 💕
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Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
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✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
(Human or Squirrel? | BilliSpeaks
youtu.be/Ij7mtC8c1GU)
I Said Squirrel! | BilliSpeaks
youtu.be/XDenuEhSZok
“I don’t understand why squirrel doesn’t love me” - Billi, probably | BilliSpeaks
youtu.be/yjGiWTURFkw
I usually ask Billi to clarify “outside squirrel or friend squirrel?” when she presses the button 😂
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Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
For more information on her various medical issues check out the “Medical” playlist.
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Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
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✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
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✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
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✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
I find it so interesting that Billi pressed her “I don’t understand” button during this interaction!
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Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
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✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
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✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
*I screwed up a caption, he says “Demanding cat” not “Living with this cat”
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
(Cooperative Care Training: How to desensitize your cat to new weird things! | BilliSpeaks
youtu.be/o6N-bFsa1r4) for background on the clinical trial and how I helped Billi to comfortably accept this weird light thing!
She consistently asks for her laser, I don’t know if it feels good or if she just thinks it’s the easiest way she’s ever gotten so many treats 😹 either way I’m happy!
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
Our holiday is over, soon Billi and I will head back home!
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
Dad and I are taking a little vacation before heading back home! Billi is glad to be free of her extended family for a few days 😬
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
Dad and I are taking a little vacation before heading back home! Billi is glad to be free of her extended family for a few days 😬
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
For anyone new to Billi, she’s an older kitty with a few chronic medical conditions we manage with diet and medication. To learn more about her medical journey, check out our medical playlist!
One of her issues is chronic kidney disease (CKD) which in Billi’s case is secondary to a congenital (she was born with it) condition called polycystic kidney disease (PKD). CKD is a common condition in cats, and like in humans cannot be reversed. We manage symptoms and try to slow progression in order to maximize quality of life!
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the use of non-thermal light to modify a physiological response. It’s commonly used in skin diseases, but has been gaining traction in other avenues. Not all light is the same, and figuring out which types of light, what frequency of treatment, and where the best place for treatment is can be challenging.
One of the ways we theorize PBM is helpful in kidney disease is in reducing inflammation. Inflammation is a hallmark of CKD, and is a cyclical response meaning having inflammation leads to increased tissue damage which in turn causes further inflammation. PBM has been shown in in vitro and in vivo studies modulate cellular function, suppress inflammation, restore balance redox, and improve mitochondrial activity, all of which are hallmarks of CKD. Studies at a cellular level, in rodent models, in domestic animals, and in humans show promise!
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate clinical (how well the patient is doing, improved nausea/appetite/energy) and biochemical (blood values) response to low level light therapy at specific sites every 2 days. Ultimately I’m hoping I can reduce the amount of medication Billi needs to feel her best!
If anyone is interested in reading more about some of the studies, find links below:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7118498
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27624783
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3505828
spie.org/photonics-west/presentation/Photobiomodulation-biphasic-mechanisms-in-the-treatment-of-renal-fibrosis/12826-12#_=_
kireports.org/article/S2468-0249(22)00382-5/fulltext#:~:text=Photobiomodulation%20(PBM)%2C%20the%20use,are%20factors%20inherent%20in%20CKD.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9320354
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee
✨
✨
✨
Billi is a female domestic shorthair, she's 15 years old, her favorite word is mad.
Inspiration for learning to “speak” with buttons from Hunger4Words (check her out on IG).
Affiliate link for FluentPet buttons: https://flnt.pt/billispeaks
LinkTree for:
✨merchandise
✨website with FAQs and getting started resources
✨other button options
✨food puzzles
✨TikTok 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
https://linktr.ee/BilliSpeaks
Want to learn more about the research study Billi and many other animals are in? Check it out here:
theycantalk.org/research
billispeaks.com/research
A Billi dictionary 📖
🔹Fan toy: a homemade toy with sewing elastic tied to a stuffed bunny or mouse
🔹Food water: a small amount of warm water over a handful of kibble
🔹Watermelon: a food puzzle that looks like a watermelon
🔹Catnip water: what Billi named my coffee