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 Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew cat food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
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 Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
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 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
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+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
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 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
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Related articles
Understanding Lungworms in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & More
Learn the key indicators that your cat could be dealing with lungworms, such as coughing fits, and how they are treated.
What Is Cat Nuzzling?
Learn the reasons why your cat nuzzles you or other pet siblings, including factors like affection, marking territory and more.
Training Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box
Cats are naturally very clean and chances are your kitten will already have learned how to use the litter box from her mother before she comes to live with you.
Do's and Don'ts for Disciplining a Cat
Having trouble with your cat's bad behavior? Learn how to effectively discipline your cat with this helpful list of do's and don'ts.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Senior Cat
Senior cats over age 7 have different nutritional needs than younger cats. Learn what to look for when choosing a food for older and aging felines.
Adopting an Adult Cat: What You Need to Know
Understand how adopting an adult cat from a shelter is different than adopting a cat, and what to expect when you bring her home for the first time.
Service Cats: Giving Emotional Support to Pet Parents
Read all about service cats, including how these special felines can comfort humans and provide emotional support for a number of medical issues.
Dealing with a Cat That's a Picky Eater
Cats are notoriously picky eaters, but there are ways you can encourage her to eat her food. Discover some tips for getting her past her picky habits.
Cat Heart Health and Feline Heart Disease
Learn more about the causes of feline heart disease and the signs you can watch out for to promote heart health in your cat.
Why Do Cats Meow?
Learn what your cat's meow really means, so you can understand what they are trying to communicate to you.
Do Cats Have Periods?
Learn more about cat periods, when you can expect them, and what kind of impact your cat's heat cycle has on her body.
Getting Your Cat Into Her Carrier
Getting your cat in & out of her carrier can be a challenging task when it's time to go to the vet. Learn helpful carrier tips for keeping your cat calm.
Do Cats Understand Mirrors?
Do cats understand mirrors? Find out what science can to tell us and how cats perceive their own reflections.
What Is a Cat's Primordial Pouch?
What is a cat's primordial pouch? You may be surprised to know that it's a natural part of your kitty's biological makeup! Read on to learn more.
Antifreeze Poisoning in Cats & What to Do If Your Cat Drank It
Learn about antifreeze and cats: what to do if your cat drank antifreeze, symptoms of antifreeze poisoning to watch for, treatment and prevention.
Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
Curious why your cat is eating grass? Discover the underlying reason, such as a digestive issue or anxiety, and learn if it's truly a problem.
Your Cat Needs Attention? Here's What She'll Do to Get It.
When a cat wants attention, she'll pull out all the stops until she grabs your interest, such as these seven classic behaviors guaranteed to distract you.
Meal Feeding vs. Free Feeding Cats: What's Best?
Curious if your cat can eat on her own schedule? Learn about free feeding, how it can impact your cat's diet, and if this method is a good fit for her.
Steps for Command Training Your Kitten
Learn how to properly train your new kitten to obey your commands while keeping them happy and healthy.
Ways to Maintain Your Cat's Healthy Coat
Learn the visual signs that your cat is healthy including what to look for in her skin, ears, and eyes, as well as as signs you should call your vet about.
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.