Living with cats can feel like a mystery. You talk to them, but you're never quite sure what they're thinking. Do cats understand words? Can cats understand humans? If you wonder what your kitty hears when you talk to them, you're not alone. Let's see what science has to say about this feline enigma.
Do Cats Understand Words?
If your cat doesn't come when you call them, it doesn't necessarily mean they're ignoring you. It could be that they're reacting nonverbally and you just aren't noticing it. Cats lack the cognitive skills to interpret human language, but they recognize when you talk to them. To put it another way, cats comprehend human language in the same way that we understand meowing. It's similar to how you interpret your cat's language by "reading" how they arch their back or swish their tail.
Cats may not process human language in the same way that humans do, but studies show that cats recognize and, in some cases respond to, human vocalizations, gestures and expressions — depending on whether they feel like it, of course.
Can Cats Understand Humans?
Scientists have only scraped the surface in terms of understanding feline cognition. However, in the past several years, researchers have made exciting discoveries about the cat brain.
In an article published by Animal Cognition, researchers noted that the cats they studied responded when their pet parents said their names. The cats mostly responded to their humans' voices through orienting behavior, such as ear movement and head movement, rather than through communicative behavior, like vocalization and tail movement.
You can do a similar study of your own at home: Closely observe your cat while you say their name. They may pivot their ears, tilt their head to the side while looking at you or both. A chatty cat might respond vocally, but as this study shows, cats generally use nonverbal communication to respond to their human.
Tasty Tips
How Do I Communicate With My Cat?
The authors of the Animal Cognition study noted in The Independent that "cats, unlike dogs, have not been domesticated to obey humans' orders. Rather, they seem to take the initiative in human-cat interaction." Keep this in mind the next time your cat doesn't respond when you call their name. Try not to take their snub personally; it's just their independent spirit.
But despite scientific evidence that your cat's the boss, it's important to regularly engage in conversation with your pet. Talk to them during petting sessions, while you're folding the laundry or at bedtime.
Regularly interacting with your cat using positive vocalization and gestures — such as smiling and speaking in an upbeat tone of voice — will reinforce the bond between the two of you. It also provides insight into how your kitty uses their own cat language, both verbal and nonverbal, to converse with you. Although humans and cats don't speak the same language, there's no denying the special relationship between a cat parent and their feline friend.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Ocean Fish & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Brown Rice, and Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe cat food
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Related articles
7 Tips for Newborn Kitten Care
Learn helpful care tips for your kitten in their first four months, including essential topics like bedding, food, using the litter box, grooming & more.
Is Your Cat Hiding Their Pain? Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms.
Cats can often mask their pain or discomfort depending on the ailment. It is important to spot the signs early and consult your vet. Learn more here.
Cat Grass: Is it Safe for My Cat?
Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.
Pain Relief for Your Cat: Dangerous Medications to Avoid
Know the risks of giving your cat over-the-counter pain medications, and how to properly care for their pain.
Do Cats Like to Be Petted?
Petting & picking up a cat can be tricky, but she'll give you signs to show she's ready. Learn her favorite spots to be petted and handling techniques.
Why Exercise is Important to Keep Your Cat Healthy
Learn how to keep your new kitten active and playful, which can help her maintain her ideal weight.
Cat Napping: Why Your Cat Likes to Sleep
Learn about your cat's natural sleep cycle and why it doesn't always match your own, as well as why she likes to nap at certain times of the day.
Types of Cat Litter & How to Choose the Right One
Sift through our guide to learn about the many different types of cat litter and how to choose the best one for your feline friend.
Senior Cat Accessories & Household Changes: What Your Aging Cat Needs
Discover the senior cat accessories your older kitty might benefit from and how you can make a few minor home changes to help your cat as they age.
How to Get Your Cat to Take a Pill
Wondering how to get your cat to take a pill? This guide provides you with tactics for how to give a cat a pill!
How to Help a Lost Cat
Learn tips for what to do if you find a lost cat, including how to determine if it's a feral cat, if it's lost or a stray cat, and how you can help.
Skin Problems to Watch For in Your Cat
Learn about 5 of the most common skin problems that can manifest in cats, as well as how to detect if your cat might have one of them.
Top Cat Pet Peeves: What Cats Hate
Just like humans, cats have pet peeves that drive them crazy. Learn common things your cat probably hates and how you can make her feel more comfortable.
Stage 1 Kidney Disease in Cats Often Goes Unnoticed
Learn more about stage 1 kidney disease in cats, such as the cause, symptoms, treatment and how the proper food can help manage her condition.
Tips for Managing Your Cat's Kidney Disease
Understand the importance that kidneys play in your cat's health, and know how to spot the warning signs of kidney disease.
Cat Food Taste & Types: Does My Cat Like Their Food?
Learn about different types of cat foods, why your cat might actually like certain ones over others and questions to ask your vet about cat food taste.
How Many Cat Breeds Are There?
Learn how the history behind different registries of cat breeds, how each registry differs in their classifications, and if new breeds are accepted.
How to Talk to Cats (and Are They Really Listening?)
Learn tips for talking & communicating with your cat, including suggested gestures like blinking, as well as how to tell if they are actually listening.
Explaining Your Cat's Greeting
Learn about the different types of greetings cats can show you, such as head butting or slow blinking, and how to interpret each of her signals.
Tips for Socializing Your Kitten with People & Other Pets
It's important to introduce your new kitten to kids, strangers and family pets early in their development to help raise a well-adjusted, socializing cat.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.