I talk to my cat. A lot. Like… full conversations. Sometimes with snacks. And sometimes with drama. I even give her updates on the weather — as if she’s about to check the forecast and cancel her 2 p.m. nap. I’ve always wondered… Does my cat understand me when I talk to her ?
- Can Cat Understand Us ?
- MINI QUIZ “How Well Do You Know Cat Talk?”
- Why Do We Talk to Cats Anyway
- Fun Fact and Strange Cat Language
- Bonus Tip : How to Talk So Your Cat Listens
- S U M M A R Y
My cat — her name is Kumi — has been part of my life for 4 years. And not a day goes by where I don’t talk to her. Like… real conversations. I narrate my day… or asking for her opinion. I even say “bless you” when she sneezes, like she’s an elderly aunt.
And the weird thing is… she responds. Not with words, obviously. But with slow blinks, a tail flick, a look of pure side-eye judgment… you know the look.
One time, I stubbed my toe and screamed, then looked at her and said, “This is it, Luna. This is how I go.”
And she blinked at me.
Just one slow, dramatic blink.
It felt… profound…
That’s when I started wondering — what if she really is listening?
Can Cat Understand Us?
Let’s bring in a little science — just a sprinkle, I promise.
So according to studies — yep, people have actually researched this — cats can recognize our voices.
In fact, a 2013 study from the University of Tokyo found that cats can distinguish their owners’ voices from strangers’.
They just… often choose not to respond.
Rude? Maybe. But also kinda iconic.
And while they might not understand the exact words, cats are amazing at picking up tone, mood, and patterns.
If you always say “wanna treat?” in a sing-song voice, they’ll know what’s up.
If you say “NOPE!” in a firm tone when they eye the countertop — they might pretend not to hear it… but they know.
So yes, our cats are listening.
They’re just choosing when to care. It’s like having a roommate who only responds when snacks are involved.
I asked some of my friends about times their cats definitely listened — or at least acted like it. And oh, I’ve got some gems:
Story from Jess:
“I told my cat I had a bad date and she climbed into my lap, headbutted me, and fell asleep on my chest. Therapist vibes.”
From Marco:
“I said ‘Don’t you dare knock that off’ — and he looked me dead in the eyes and pushed the glass over anyway. So… yes, he heard me. Loud and clear.”
From Tanya:
“My cat only comes running when I say, ‘I’m sad.’ It’s like she knows. Then she sits next to me like, ‘You may cry now, peasant.’”
So yeah… they hear us. And sometimes, they feel us too 😻
MINI QUIZ “How Well Do You Know Cat Talk?”
Alright, let’s mix it up with a fun little mini quiz.
You can answer in your head, out loud, or you know… just vibe along.
Question 1:
What does a slow blink from your cat usually mean?
A) They’re tired
B) They trust you
C) They have something in their eye
Answer: B! It’s like a cat kiss. So next time your kitty slow-blinks at you — blink back. You’re basically in a rom-com.
Question 2:
Which sound do cats rarely use with each other but often with humans?
A) Growl
B) Chirp
C) Meow
Answer: C — meow! Cats mainly meow to communicate with us. It’s their way of saying “feed me,” “love me,” or “why did you close the bathroom door without me?!”
Question 3:
True or False: Cats can learn up to 20–50 words or more.
Answer: True! Especially if there’s food attached to it. Try saying “tuna” around your cat and see what happens.
Why Do We Talk to Cats Anyway
Let’s slow it down for a second.
Why do we even talk to our cats?
I think… it’s because we trust them. There’s something deeply comforting about their quiet, non-judgmental presence.
Cats don’t rush to fix our problems. They don’t interrupt.
They just sit with us. Which sometimes, is exactly what we need
Maybe it’s less about them understanding us — and more about us feeling heard.
You ever cry in front of your cat and feel like she got it? Or celebrate something small — like making the perfect sandwich — and you announce it to your cat like she’s your hype squad?
Yeah. Same 🥰
Fun Fact and Strange Cat Language
Ready for some cat fun facts?
Fact #1:
Cats have up to 21 different vocalizations. From chirps to yowls to purrs. It’s like they have their own little podcast too.
Fact #2:
They can change their meow based on what they want. Some will even mimic baby cries — because they know we humans are suckers for that sound.
Fact #3:
When cats headbutt you, they’re marking you with their scent. It’s basically cat for “you’re mine now.”
Fact #4:
Cats purr not just when they’re happy, but sometimes when they’re stressed or in pain — it can be a self-soothing mechanism. That’s why it’s important to look at the full body language.
Fact #5:
In a study, cats ignored commands like “come here” — but responded immediately when they heard the sound of a can opener. Priorities 😸
Bonus Tip : How to Talk So Your Cat Listens
So how can we talk to our cats in a way they’ll actually listen?
Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Use your cat’s name often — they learn it!
- Keep your tone soft and consistent. Think bedtime story vibes, not chaotic energy.
- Use key phrases like “treat time” or “brushing?” and reward them to make it stick.
- Narrate your actions — “I’m going to get your food now” — it builds routine.
- And of course… slow blink often. That’s your new love language.
SUMMARY
Studies show that cats recognize their owners’ voices. A 2013 study from the University of Tokyo found that cats can tell the difference between your voice and a stranger’s. They just often choose not to respond. That’s a mood, honestly.
While cats may not understand the exact words we say, they’re experts at picking up on tone, body language, and routine. Say “wanna treat?” the same way every day, and you’ll have a cat sprinting from across the house like it’s the 100-meter dash. They also pick up patterns — which is why your cat probably shows up at the sound of a can opener faster than when you call her name.
And meowing? That’s mostly for us. Cats don’t really meow to communicate with each other — that’s their human-specific language. They’ve learned that we’re a bunch of softies who respond to a cute little sound.
It’s about connection…
Talking to our cats might not be about them understanding every word. It’s about connection. When I vent out loud or whisper secrets to Luna, I’m not looking for solutions. I just need someone to be there. And she always is — quiet, calm, maybe slightly judgmental — but still there.
It’s kind of beautiful, really. We talk to them because they’re our companions. Our tiny, furry witnesses to life’s mess and magic.
If you talk to your cat, don’t stop. She might not know what “I can’t believe I said that in the meeting” means, but she feels your stress.
Your cat hears your tone and senses your energy. And sometimes, she’ll sit just a little closer or give you a soft headbutt — her way of saying, “I’m here.”
So yes, I talk to my cat daily. And even if she’s not technically listening, she’s definitely hearing me — in all the ways that matter.
And that, my fellow cat whisperers, is more than enough 😻
Thanks for reading this post.
Give your cat a little kiss on the head from me.
And hey — talk to her today. She’s listening. Probably…
See you next time 😉
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