Can a cat understand human speech?

Life with a cat is full of mysteries. When communicating with them, their owners do not know if cats understand human speech. What does science say about this feline secret?

Do cats understand words?

If the cat does not run to the call, this does not necessarily mean that she is ignoring it. Perhaps she reacts with non-verbal signals, but the owner simply does not notice them. 

The cat lacks the cognitive skills to understand human language, but it knows for sure that it is she who is being spoken to. In other words, cats understand human language in the same way that humans understand meowing. The human also interprets the cat’s body language by reading signals such as arching the back or wagging the tail.

Cats may not perceive human language in the same way that humans do. However, studies show that cats recognize and in some cases respond to human sounds, gestures and expressions – on their own, of course.

Can a cat understand human speech?

Scientists know very little about the cognitive skills of cats. However, over the past few years, researchers have made exciting discoveries about the feline brain.

In an article published in Animal Cognition, the scientists note that the cats they studied responded to their name pronounced by the owner. They primarily responded to host voices through orienting actions, such as ear or head movements, rather than communicative behaviors, such as vocalizations and tail movements.

A similar experiment can be done at home. You need to carefully observe the cat, calling it to you. She can twirl her ears, tilt her head to the side, or do both at the same time. A talkative cat may meow in response, but as the study described above shows, most cats use non-verbal cues to respond.

How to communicate with a cat

The authors of the Animal Cognition study, writing in The Independent, noted that “cats, unlike dogs, were not tamed to obey human commands. On the contrary, they usually take the lead in human interactions.” 

This is worth remembering every time a fluffy pet does not respond to the call. Such neglect should not be taken personally – it is simply an independent feline spirit.

But, despite scientific evidence that the main thing in a relationship is a cat, it is important to talk to her regularly. 

Communicating regularly with your cat through positive vocalizations and gestures, such as a smile and a cheerful tone, will strengthen the bond with your pet. It will also give you an idea of ​​how your pet is using her feline language, both verbal and non-verbal. Although people and cats do not speak the same language, there is no doubt that there is a special bond between cat owners and their pets.