A Reddit post showing a unique form of communication between a pet owner and their three animals has gone viral, leaving internet users both charmed and amazed.
Shared on Tuesday by Reddit user u/TheOneWhoSaysNothing, the post features a photo of two cats and a dog—each lifting one front paw when they want something. The caption reads, “Both my cats and my dog lift their front paw when they want something.”
Speaking to Newsweek, the pet owner explained that the behavior began with their white cat, Lumi, who seemed to teach herself the gesture and later influenced the others. “I’m not entirely sure how it started,” they said. “But when Lumi was about 9 to 12 months old, I noticed she would lift her paw when she wanted to sniff or eat something I was holding.”
The owner believes Lumi may have learned that the gesture earned her treats, and so she kept repeating it. “She’s really smart,” they added. “Once she saw it worked for food, she started using it to ask for other things too.”
Lumi now uses the gesture to ask for attention, playtime, a door to be opened, or even to go outside on a leash. She often sits in front of the door, stares at her owner, and lifts her paw—sometimes keeping it raised until she gets what she wants or her owner walks away. If she’s especially eager, she might meow while holding her paw up.
Inspired by Lumi’s success, the owner taught the same gesture to their other cat, Sasha, and their dog, Daleko.
Daleko, however, uses the paw lift in different ways. “She lifts her paw if she wants to be released from a command like ‘stay’ or ‘heel,’” the owner said. “When it comes to food, it’s more of a demand than a request—she loves eating just like Sasha.” Daleko also raises a paw when she wants to be allowed on the couch, since she’s not allowed up without permission to avoid muddy paw prints.
“The Reddit comments said Lumi trained me—and I think they’re right,” the owner joked.
Veterinarian Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of medicine at Small Door Veterinary, told Newsweek that raising a front paw is a common form of communication in pets. “In the home, dogs often learn that pawing gets them attention or treats. Cats may lift a paw when they want attention, are curious, or are about to bat at something,” she said. “Sometimes, it signals a need like food or affection.”
However, Richardson also warned that if a pet lifts its paw while limping or showing discomfort, it could be a sign of injury, and a vet should be consulted.
The Reddit post quickly gained traction, with over 11,000 upvotes and more than 60 comments. One user, Erbr, noted, “One of them taught the others.” Another, ArgentoFanUK, wrote, “Haha, that’s so adorable. I love how they copy each other.”
The charming tale shows that sometimes, communication between pets and humans is just one paw away.
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