Why don't animals laugh?

[helpme!]

Why is it that animals don't laugh, sing, dance or walk backwards (unless trying to get out of a tight space!)?

[newtron]

Many animals, especially birds, dance, sing and walk backwards as part of their ritual to attract a mate.

[helpme!]

Sorry, should have been more specific.  Was more interested in domestic animals such as the family cat or dog.  Surely occasionally they feel like being silly and have a bit of fun!

[acw]

You obviously haven't seen "You've been framed!".  My advice: it would prove otherwise, but don't bother watching it!!!!

[tetherend]

It is said that Cheshire Cats grin, never seen it myself though.  I don't recall ever meeting a Cheshire cat.

[londondave]

they probably do but in their own way. you can see it in their eyes. i know when my lizard is grumpy or happy

[eupraxia]

when my dog lies on his back and i tickle his tummy he laughs. He had my hubby up at 1am in the morning to go out side and hubby said he was laughing.

I'm sure cats smile. When mine looks up at me her eyes close and she has a smile on her face.

[Ouisch]

My dog (retired racing greyhound) used to walk backwards quite often.  He also smiled (as greys do when they're happy), but never laughed out loud as far as I know. 

 

As far as singing, my friend has a Beagle that doesn't react to music at all - except "I Want It All" by Queen.  I don't know if that song has some ultrasonic noise in the background or what, but my friend is a Queen fan, and whenever he plays IWIA, his beagle stands up, points his nose to the sky, and howls for all he's worth. 

[wotsit]

What about the Laughing Hyena.

[littleoldme]

Ouisch - my spaniel (sadly now passed away) wasn't averse to a bit of Queen either, but she preferred These Are The Days Of Our Lives. It came out when she was a puppy, and whenever she heard it she'd stop and listen to it. She's been gone two years now, but I still can't hear that song without getting a lump in my throat. :,-(

My current dog, a labrador, definitely laughs and also mumbles and grumbles if you talk too loudly when he's trying to sleep.

[theren_911]

helpme! - have you ever owned a dog/cat? 

They often look like they're laughing / smiling / frowning - and my dog constantly walks backwards, as well as sideways and in circles and headfirst into inanimate objects. He definately has a look of confusion on his face when this happens "where the **** did that cooker come from!"

He also does a great Elvis impression, but I have a suspision that this is him trying to be aggressive :S