Does your cat really know you’re talking to it, but just doesn’t care? A new study explores the question

According to new research, cats know when we're talking to them, but they don't always care. But this statement needs some explanation.

We will explain exactly what the study found; don’t miss the chance to get to know these mysterious creatures better! A cat really is listening to its name.

A cat really is listening to its name but it’s like to control its image

Cats may seem to be masters of indifference, but new research is slowly pulling back the veil of their behaviour. They actually seem to be fully aware when the owner or someone addresses them. What’s fascinating to us about this whole situation is whether or not they react reflects their current, personal decision.

“Cats – who were not so long ago considered as independent and ungrateful creatures – are in fact very well capable of creating and fostering attachment bonds with humans.” – write the study’s authors. Recent research has also shown that cats generally value time with their owner more than food. In fact, we already know that they miss us when we leave for a long time.

Building on these findings, the new study provides evidence that cats change their behavior when they hear their owner’s voice; but not when they hear the voices of a stranger and their owner when they are talking.

How we say it is more important than what we say

16 domestic cats, all owned by French veterinary students, were recruited for the research. The cats were played a recording of their owner saying their name. Most showed increased engagement by turning their ears toward the speakers, moving, or dilating their pupils. In contrast, they tended to reduce the intensity of their behavior when they heard a stranger say their name.

The researchers then played them recordings of their owners asking: “Do you want to play?” and “Are you hungry?”. First in the tone they normally use when addressing their cat, then in the tone they use when speaking to other people.

The cats only responded when the owners used the tone they usually use when speaking to them. This is amazing, and it indicates that they are perfectly aware when we are talking to them and when we are talking to someone else.

They try to get closer to our hearts by meowing

Unlike cats, according to the tests carried out, dogs respond to speech directed at them even if it comes from the mouth of a stranger. This suggests that kitties are reluctant to interact with strangers. But it could also be that they simply don’t have experience with people other than their owner.

“Our results highlight the importance of one-to-one relationships for indoor companion cats, who do not seem to generalize the communication developed with one human to all human interlocutors.” –  the researchers explained. Their plans include future studies looking at whether outdoor cats, who may have more interactions with unfamiliar people, are able or willing to become more attuned to the voices of different strangers.

Interestingly, we already know that pet cats often modify their own voice when “speaking” to their owners. They tend to meow at a higher pitch than their outdoor counterparts. This is because they probably believe that a higher pitch has a greater impact on our hearts. How mischievous!