A Lowcountry Cat has learned to communicate using words

It sounds like something from outer space, but it's not.
"I can sound intimidating, but it basically means button training," laughs Nina Leipold.
And button training is something you have to see and hear to believe.
Flounder is a Lowcountry Bengal cat that talks.
We're not talking about a meow or a purr. Flounder is a conversing cat that answers questions and voices her concerns through the help of pre-programmed speech buttons.
"There was one point where I was out of town and I get text messages when the buttons are pushed," explains Leipold. "I get a message that she was angry and at that point I knew she understands."
Leipold, Flounder's owner, has worked and trained animals for years. Over the last two years, she and her furry friend have worked to connect in a whole new way.
"AIC buttons give animals the opportunity to remind us of things, they are able to ask for help when they need help with something and it also gives us the opportunity to explain things better to them," explains Leipold.
Flounder is one focused feline.
Thanks to her training with Leipold, Flounder's vocabulary has expanded to 30 words and counting.
"When we have guests over, she'll kick them out," laughs Leipold. "She says Stranger-Home-Done-Now."
And like many, Flounder has a favorite word.
"The most recent button I've added is "ugh", says Leipold. "She was needing a way to communicate when she's frustrated and it's turned into her favorite word."
Flounder recently joined the research group How.TheyCanTalk.org, which collects data to educate others on communicating with various species through the use of talking buttons.
For more information about Flounder or Augmentative Interspecies Communication, visit floundercat.com/ or follow her and Leipold on social media.
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