Cats Can’t Speak Human Language
Cats do not have the physical ability to speak human languages. Their vocal anatomy allows them to make meows, purrs, chirps and other sounds, but not produce human speech. While cats can learn to recognize words, they cannot comprehend vocabulary and grammar like people can (Source: https://cats.com/do-cats-understand-words).
Cats communicate through body language, scents, and vocalizations designed for other cats to understand. A cat’s meow is specifically tailored to get a human’s attention and communicate basic needs like food or wanting a door opened. But cats do not have an understanding of the actual words and meaning behind human language. They pick up on cues and associate certain words with rewards through repetition, not by comprehending vocabulary (Source: https://www.catster.com/guides/can-cats-understand-humans/).
While a cat can recognize words like their name, they do not have the cognitive ability to interpret sentences and abstract concepts. Cat communication relies more on observing body language, tone, and behavioral cues. So even though cats may recognize certain human words, they do not have an understanding of human language itself.
Cats Recognize Their Name and Some Words
While cats cannot understand human language, they can learn to recognize certain words through repetition and association 1. A cat’s name is usually one of the first words they learn, as owners repeat it frequently when feeding, petting, or interacting with them. With consistent positive reinforcement, most cats will respond when their name is called.
In addition to their name, studies show cats can recognize and respond to approximately 10-20 words on average, such as “treat”, “food”, “toy”, “sit”, or “no” 2. The exact number varies by the cat’s intelligence, breed, training, environment, and amount of human interaction. For example, cats who live indoors and receive frequent attention typically understand more words than less socialized stray or feral cats.
While a cat’s vocabulary is limited compared to dogs and humans, paying attention to words they consistently react to can help strengthen communication and bonding. With patience and positive reinforcement using treats, play, and affection, owners can continue building their cat’s understanding of verbal cues and commands.
Cats Understand Tone and Intention
Cats are very sensitive to the tone of voice and body language of their human companions. Although they don’t understand words and language like humans do, cats can pick up on emotional cues based on how something is said or done. Numerous studies have shown that cats respond differently when their owner uses a gentle, soothing tone and stance compared to an aggressive tone and stance (1).
For example, research has demonstrated that cats show more interest and positive engagement when their owners use an exaggerated high-pitched tone, similar to how people talk to babies. This is sometimes referred to as cat-directed speech (2). Cats also seem to recognize their own names and some common words that are regularly used when interacting with them.
Cats primarily rely on sensing emotions, intentions and motivations through vocal tones and body language cues from their owners. A happy, sweet tone and relaxed body posture signals safety and affection to a cat. However, an angry and loud tone with tense or aggressive body language puts a cat on alert. While cats don’t understand the literal meaning of human words and sounds, they do comprehend the tone and emotion behind them.
(1) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221025090458.htm
(2) https://www.quora.com/Do-cats-understand-the-tone-of-your-voice-Like-if-you-use-a-sweet-calm-voice-it-thinks-you-re-happy-or-a-mean-deep-voice
Cats Associate Sounds with Rewards
Many cats learn to associate certain sounds with positive rewards like being fed or getting treats through a process called classical conditioning https://www.thesprucepets.com/cats-and-classical-conditioning-553895. For example, a cat may start to get excited and run to its food bowl when it hears the sound of its food bag being opened. This is because the cat has learned to associate that sound with the positive reward of getting fed.
The same thing can happen with other sounds like a can opener, shaking a treat bag, or words like “treat?” or “dinner!” Over time, cats learn to recognize these sounds and associate them with rewards through repeated pairings of the sound and the positive event.
So when owners make certain sounds or speak certain words, the cat has been classically conditioned to relate those sounds with something rewarding. This is why cats often come running when they hear sounds related to treats or meals.
Cats Respond to Familiar Sounds
Cats recognize and respond to frequently heard sounds like a food bowl rattling or a can opening. A study by Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that cats react most strongly to sounds they associate with food, such as the sound of an electric can opener, a package crinkling, or a spoon clinking against their bowl (source). Cats learn to recognize the sounds that precede being fed. Hearing these familiar feeding sounds will cause cats to come running to the food preparation area in anticipation of a meal.
In addition to food-related cues, cats also respond to other common sounds. For example, the sound of a door opening or their owner’s footsteps can signal that a family member has come home. A cat may meow or approach the door in response. Cats also recognize the unique sound of a particular person’s voice. A study from Current Biology found that cats respond more strongly when their owner calls their name versus hearing a stranger call their name (source).
Meowing is Communication
Meowing is one of the main ways cats communicate with humans. While cats do meow at each other sometimes, especially between mothers and kittens, cats primarily reserve meowing for interacting with people. Meowing allows cats to get their human’s attention and communicate their needs.
Cats may meow when they want food, water, playtime, petting or cuddling. They also meow when they are bored or lonely and want human interaction. Some cats even meow excessively when stressed or anxious, as a way to cope and self-soothe. Meowing is an effective tool for cats to express their desires and emotions to their human caretakers.
Since humans do not understand feline body language and vocalizations like growls, purrs or hisses, meowing allows cats to bridge the communication gap. Cats learn that meowing elicits a response from people. So they continue meowing throughout life as a way to get their needs met. While meowing may seem annoying at times, try to see it as your cat reaching out to bond with you.
Humans Meowing May Confuse Cats
When humans meow at their cats, the cat may not fully understand the intention and get confused. Cats use meowing specifically to communicate with humans, not with other cats. So when a human meows, the cat hears a human making a cat sound and may not know how to interpret it. According to Catster, cats are proficient learners and will associate a human meowing with whatever the human teaches them through repetition and positive reinforcement. But without that association, the meowing may just sound strange and confusing coming from a human mouth.
As explained on the Hartz website, meowing is reserved for human-cat communication. Cats typically do not meow at other cats. So when a human meows at a cat, the cat may perceive it as peculiar and may not know how to respond appropriately. While some cats can learn to associate a human meowing with rewards like food or playtime, an unfamiliar meowing human may evoke puzzlement and caution in cats until they discern the intent behind this unique vocalization.
Meowing Could Strengthen Bond
Some experts believe that meowing back at a cat can help strengthen the bond between a human and their feline companion. Meowing is a social behavior for cats, so mimicking their vocalizations may make them feel more connected. According to one study, cats can distinguish between their owner’s voice and a stranger’s voice, suggesting familiarity plays a role.
However, other experts argue that meowing at cats has no impact on bonding. Since cats do not meow to communicate with each other, hearing a human meow may simply confuse them. It’s unlikely to be interpreted as actual “conversation.” The bond between a cat and their human depends more on positive interactions like playtime, petting, and treats.
While meowing may not directly strengthen the human-feline bond, some cat owners report feeling closer to their pets when mimicking their vocalizations. As long as it comes from a place of affection, meowing is unlikely to have any negative effects. More important for bonding is paying attention to the cat’s personality and focusing on positive reinforcement.
Consider the Cat’s Personality
Cats have distinct personalities that influence how they interact and communicate with humans. Research has identified five main personality dimensions in cats: neuroticism, extraversion, dominance, agreeableness, and impulsiveness. Some cats, especially those scoring high in extraversion, may enjoy meowing back and forth with their owners more than independent cats lower in this trait. More dominant cats are also prone to initiate meowing as a means of demanding attention or food. On the other hand, neurotic and fearful cats are less likely to meow repeatedly in exchanges. Agreeable and people-oriented cats often meow in pleasant greetings and seem to enjoy extended social meowing. Additionally, a cat’s age, breed, environment, and relationship with their owner can shape personality and meowing tendencies. Understanding a cat’s unique personality provides insight on why some cats meow more or less in response to human meowing. Focusing on the cat’s individual personality and preferences leads to more positive communication experiences for both parties.
Focus on Positive Reinforcement
When interacting with cats, it is better to focus on positive reinforcement rather than meowing at them. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cats learn best through positive reinforcement rewards like treats, play, petting, and praise (Positive Reinforcement of Cats Position Statement). Instead of meowing, respond to wanted cat behaviors by immediately rewarding them with something they enjoy. For example, if your cat uses the scratching post instead of furniture, reward them with a treat right away so they associate the post with a positive experience. Over time, the cat will repeat behaviors that lead to rewards.
Meowing at a cat can be confusing or ineffective. It is better to consistently reward good behavior. The key is to offer the reward immediately so the cat connects it to the specific action you want to reinforce. With patience and consistency, positive reinforcement allows you to shape your cat’s behavior in a humane, effective way.