What Cats Think When You Meow At Them?

If you share your home with a cat or two, chances are, you have regular conversations with them.  We often dip into “baby talk” when we address our feline friends.
But do cats actually enjoy it when you talk to them? And what's the best way to talk with your cat? In this video, we’ll talk about the verbal communication style, the “meow speak”, and its importance in building a strong bond with your feline friend.  







Do cats understand human speech?
Cats are intelligent animals with an exceptional sense of hearing.

Your cat has studied the tone, pitch, and inflection of your voice through daily interactions. They can easily tell when you are angry, sad, or frustrated.

When you come to your cat with a sweet, soft, baby-like voice, this is when they know you are happiest, and they prefer this tone of voice.
On the other hand, when you use a stern tone to tell your cat to jump down from the kitchen counter, your cat understands that you mean business. Over time, your cat will not only learn to respond to it, but also respect it as a voice of authority.

Although cats have a reputation for ignoring their owners, new research indicates that cats pay close attention to humans, recognizing names and vocalizations. A study by Kyoto University showed that cats can identify their own name, nicknames, and the names of other cats and even the names of their owners. This indicates cats can link names to faces without explicit training, as they spend much of their time observing us to gather information.
After all, our cats dedicate much of their days to observing us so that they can gather more information about us

How should you talk to your cat?
When talking with your cat, the tone of voice you use matters.
Cats find comfort in a calm, soft tone.
And like with other animals and humans, cats can become distressed with loud voices or harsh tones.

Keep in mind that consistency in tone is key when speaking to your cat. If your kitty is misbehaving, you should use a tone that shows authority. If you use the same soft, happy voice you praise your kitty with, they will get confused. Always use proper tones with your pet so they understand what you’re trying to communicate to them.

How Often Should I Talk to My Cat?

Cats can become lonely easily. Cats are not solitary creatures that thrive on isolation. As domesticated animals, they enjoy attention and interaction with their human companions.

Make an effort to involve your pet in your conversations. After all, cats have feelings and enjoy attention from their favorite humans. They are social animals who love having friends around to talk to and hang out with.

Even though you and your cat don’t exactly speak the same language, talking to them like you would a friend or family member will strengthen the bond you share, and they will appreciate the attention.

Do cats like it when you meow at them?
Sorry to break it to you, but human meows mean nothing to cats. To most cats, human meows sound like human language. But cats are proficient learners and will quickly associate your meow with whatever you teach them through repetition.

Do cats like it when you blow in their face?
No, your cat does not like it when you blow air on their face because it's a natural instinct to protect their sensitive noses and whiskers. The sensation of air blowing directly at them can be uncomfortable or irritating for them.

The right way to speak "meow" to your cat
You can talk to your cat in your own native language, but you can also learn some clever ways to speak “meow”.  
Cats are experts at reading body language so matching your words with the right gestures can help you get your message across.
For example, cats use a "slow blink" to show trust in their humans and other felines. You can mimic this slow blink technique to let your kitty know how much they mean to you. Simply make eye contact with them and slowly open and close your eyes.
Another way your kitty shows affection is by bumping you with their head or nose. Gently returning those head bumps is likely to get a purr of pleasure in response. You can initiate a nose bump by extending a knuckle at your cat's level and inviting them to give it a sniff.