Do Cats Like When You Talk to Them?

Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you tell your cat how much you love them and they respond by looking deep into your eyes like you’re the greatest human who ever lived and flopping over for a belly rub. 

Most cats seem to enjoy being spoken to… especially if the word “treat” is involved. They can learn the positive words, phrases, and even tones you use. And they often respond with their own form of loving communication, whether it’s a head bunt, a rub, or a big meow.

Do cats recognize human voices?

There’s every reason to think cats can recognize the voices of their people. This is partly because they’re regularly exposed to those voices. But there may also be something deeper at play — survival instincts.

In the wild, cats are predators and prey. Prey animals pay attention to their surroundings to learn the various signs of safety and danger. Your voice is likely a cue to your cat that they’re in a safe place, with safe people. They will remember and appreciate that voice.  

Studies have examined how cats respond to familiar versus unfamiliar voices, as well as different vocal tones. It’s challenging to test cats outside their normal environment because they’re so affected by everything around them. Nevertheless, the tests support the idea that cats can recognize the voices of their human family members. 

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How cats react to human speech

The way you talk to your cat really does set the stage for the interaction you hope to have, and it gives them an idea of what to expect.  

Setting the stage

How a cat responds to your voice is influenced by several factors.

• Familiar or foreign: Most cats will feel more comfortable with a voice they recognize, especially if they’re a bit nervous naturally.

• Environment: It’s not just about the words you say, but what’s happening around you. Your cat may respond differently to your usual calm, familiar voice if the room is full of loud strangers or a blaring TV.

• Tone and volume: You probably remember the difference between your parent or guardian’s lighthearted call to dinner versus their more intimidating “Why is there mud tracked across my clean floor?” yell. If they use the dreaded first, middle, and last name, you know it’s serious. Cats can pick up on similar changes in tone and volume as cues to how you’re feeling and what might happen if they stick around. 

• History: Cats learn through experience. If they’ve had consistent positive experiences when you talk to them one way, and more intense, less friendly experiences when you talk to them another way, they’ll respond accordingly.

Your cat’s response

In situations where your cat feels more secure and comfortable with the elements above, they’re more likely to respond in a positive way. A friendly, loving call from their human can lead to your cat running over, rubbing on you, maybe even meowing back — generally sharing the love.

Yelling “Treats!” or “Playtime!” may have a different effect. Your cat may move a lot faster. They may be more vocal or excited, running right past you and straight to the treat cabinet or wand toy. 

On the other hand, if the situation (volume, tone, environment, etc.) has your cat a bit nervous, they may respond differently. They could keep their distance or even hide. 

Watching their body language can give you clues about how they feel when you talk to them in different ways. 

Do cats really like when you talk to them?

I think it’s safe to say most cats enjoy being talked to. Some may ignore you or seem indifferent. Most have some kind of warm reaction. 

Cats who truly don’t like being spoken to probably have a history of bad experiences that they associate with people’s voices or general fear that’s heightened when someone is paying attention to them.

Signs your cat is enjoying you talking to them

Knowing a bit about body language can help you understand how your cat is feeling about your carefully chosen words of love. You can identify ways of talking that excite your cat, bring them joy, or make them feel safe. You can avoid talk that causes stress or nervousness. 

If your cat is showing any of these signs when you tell them that tiny angels must have brought them down from heaven on fluffy clouds (that’s what we all say, right?), they’re probably enjoying the experience:

• Coming to you

• A high-curved or quivering tail

• A horizontal tail making big, broad swishes

• Ears up and forward

• Relaxed posture (not cowering or trying to look larger)

• Rubbing or head bunting you or objects near you

• Kneading with their paws (making biscuits)

• Talking back to you

• Rolling on the ground near you

• Making eye contact

• Slow blinking at you

• Purring or trilling

Benefits of talking to cats

Talking to your cat is a really wonderful thing for both of you. It can show love, communicate safety, lighten the mood, and generally bring some joy into the room.

Stronger bonds

If you’re speaking to your cat in ways they enjoy, you’re building that relationship from both sides. Your cat will respond to the light, happy tone of your voice. They’ll feel that companionship, and it will encourage more interaction with you. And you’ll feel a sense of connection. 

Reduces human and animal stress

As we discussed earlier, the tone and volume of your voice are important. With just a few words and a comforting tone, you can help a fearful or stressed cat relax and feel a bit more secure. They can learn to associate your voice with safety, familiarity, love, and more. 

It works the other way, too. Talking to your cat can help reduce your stress and loneliness. Sometimes, we don’t need a response. We just need a sounding board. When your sounding board is covered in fur and purring on your lap as you tell them about your rough day, you’re going to feel better.  

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Tips for talking to your cat

Every cat is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to talk to them.  But there are some things to keep in mind:

• Keep the volume low: Cats have exceptional hearing. Loud sounds can be off-putting. Many cats love being whispered to.

• Consider your tone: If you sound intense or angry, your cat may choose to keep their distance.

• Create positive associations: If you want your cat to respond in a certain way when you talk to them, give them a reason to. Show your cat that good things happen when they, for example, come when called.

• Be careful with yelling: Yelling at or near your cat can cause stress and fear, and even damage your relationship over time. There are more effective ways to communicate with your furry family member.  

• To baby talk or not to baby talk: It’s really up to you. Some people are fans. Others hate it. You may find that many cats, especially those who are nervous or fearful, respond better to a bit of animation in your voice. That happy, excited, or extra soothing tone may help them feel safer and lighten the mood. 

• Be consistent: If you’re trying to encourage a certain response from your cat, or doing formal training using verbal cues, it helps to stick with the same words for the same things. For example, going from “Felix, come,” to “Hey, Felix, come here please,” to “Sir Felix Floofy Butt III, get your fanny over here,” can be confusing. Your cat will better understand what you’re saying if you establish some consistent keywords and phrases.   

Bottom line

Talking to your cat is a great way to build connection. Their body language is one way you can tell how they’re feeling about the conversation. 

To make the most of your chat, watch your tone and volume, be consistent with the language you use, and keep it positive. Kitty talk can lower stress and support both you and your cat’s mental health.