Dogs seem to have mastered the understanding of some words from the human lexicon, such as “dinner,” “walk,” “sit,” and many other commands. We are already used to dogs responding to our requests. But what about cats? These animals are less trainable — perhaps it is because they simply do not understand us? Scientists have found the answer to this question!
Every cat owner tries to communicate with their pet at least once a day, hoping that the cat will hear their words and requests. But is there really any point in such conversations with our furry friends? Scientific studies show that cats are capable of recognizing human speech; however, there are some nuances in this process.
How many words can cats understand?
Research shows that cats can learn between 20 to 40 words, depending on their breed and individual characteristics. However, this happens through the formation of associative links, as they connect words and sounds with specific objects and actions.
For example, when you head to the kitchen and call your pet for “dinner,” it will come running not because it understands the word, but because it associates it with mealtime. Cats lack the cognitive abilities for a deeper understanding of human speech.
What about human emotions?
Cats, on the other hand, are excellent at recognizing human emotions, as they also use non-verbal signals when communicating with each other. By observing facial expressions, tone of voice, and emotional behavior, cats can determine whether their owner is happy, angry, or scared.
Can cats respond to their name?
In lost cat notices, owners often state that their pets “respond to the name Murzik.” Is this true? A 2019 study showed that cats can indeed remember their name and recognize it in human speech, but they are unlikely to respond to it. These animals are inherently aloof and are not always interested in interacting with unfamiliar people.
Do cats understand human meowing?
Definitely not. Just as we do not understand what cats are meowing about, they do not understand what humans are meowing about. Therefore, it is not worth trying to communicate with them in their own language — it will not lead to anything good.
Leave a comment