Sometimes it feels like our feline friends simply don’t listen to us, acting naturally aloof and indifferent when we call their names.
But a fascinating study suggests that cats may be more attuned to our communication than we realize – they just listen differently.
Research published in the journal Animals found that cats interact significantly faster in response to visual and bimodal (combining visual and vocal) cues from humans1, compared to vocal cues alone.
Here’s six insights about how cats process and respond to the sounds around them, including their own names.
1. Cats & Their Incredible Hearing Abilities
Cats are equipped with an extraordinary sense of hearing, far surpassing our human capabilities.
While we can only detect sounds up to around 20,000 Hz, our feline companions can pick up frequencies as high as 64,000 Hz. This remarkable range allows them to hear the faintest of noises, from the scurrying of a mouse to the high-pitched calls of bats.
But their superior hearing doesn’t necessarily mean they comprehend the meaning behind our words. Cats associate sounds with specific experiences or objects, rather than understanding the semantics of language. (ref)
So when you call their name, they may recognize the familiar sound and respond accordingly, but they don’t grasp the concept of a “name” in the same way we do.
2. Power of Familiarity & Bonding
Cats are more likely to respond to the voices of their owners or familiar caregivers than strangers. This is because they form strong bonds with the people they interact with regularly, and they associate those familiar voices with positive experiences, such as playtime, treats, or affection.
If you use their names in a positive, gentle tone, and reward them with attention or treats when they respond, you can strengthen the association between their name and the idea of being acknowledged or rewarded. This makes them more inclined to listen when you call.
3. The Name Game: Recognition vs. Understanding
Cats may not fully comprehend the meaning of their names, but research suggests they can indeed recognize them as distinct sounds.
A 2019 study found that household cats responded more to the sound of their own names compared to other words. (ref) This indicates that they can differentiate their names from other auditory cues, even if they don’t understand the deeper significance.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that cats in cat cafes struggled to recognize their names, likely due to the constant use of multiple feline names in that environment. This highlights the importance of consistent name-calling and positive reinforcement in helping cats associate their names with attention or rewards.
4. Tone Matters: Cat-Directed Speech
Research has also shed light on the fact that cats are attuned to the specific tone we use when addressing them directly. A study published in Animal Cognition found that cats responded more intensely when their owners spoke to them using a distinct “cat-directed” tone, characterized by a higher pitch, exaggerated intonation, and a sing-song quality. (ref)
This “baby talk” style of communication seems to capture cats’ attention more effectively than when their owners use a regular, adult-directed tone.
5. Decoding Feline Communication Through Technology
While we may struggle to comprehend the intricacies of feline vocalizations, advancements in technology are paving the way for a deeper understanding of cat communication. Researchers have developed machine learning algorithms and applications that can distinguish between different types of cat meows, such as those expressing hunger, anger, or contentment.
6. The Feline Selective Hearing Phenomenon
Let’s be honest, even if cats do recognize their names, they don’t always choose to respond. That’s just how cats are.
Like their human counterparts, cats can exhibit selective hearing, ignoring our calls when it suits them. (ref) This behavior is rooted in their independent nature and solitary ancestry, where they didn’t necessarily need to respond to social cues.
So, while your cat may indeed recognize their name, they may simply decide to ignore you if they’re not in the mood or if there’s no perceived benefit for them.
Don’t take it personally – it’s just their feline way of asserting their autonomy.
Source:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37174564/
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.