Mary Allen
In cat communication, sounds are of secondary importance. For example, the typical “meow” is only intended in the juvenile phase in the exchange between mother cat and kitten and disappears as it grows up. Hissing, growling, and screaming are sounds that are also used in communication between adult cats. Some of them are even understood across species. For example, the hissing of the cat sounds similar to the hissing of a snake and is interpreted by both species as a threatening sound.
But what does cat communication with us humans look like? Do cats communicate with us in different ways and to what extent do they recognize their own names, for example? Can they actually recognize this or is it just a coincidence that Paulchen rushes to his owner as soon as she comes home and calls him?
Cat Communication is Always Individual
In fact, cat communication or cat vocalization has not yet been well researched. In 2017 an exciting book by a Swedish professor of phonetics was published, which examined the different sounds made by cats and tried to break them down into language patterns and interpret them. There is even a website with recorded sounds that the reader can listen to along with the book. However, it is more about the natural sounds of the animals and their meaning.
It is already known that when cats live with us, they meow to communicate their needs to us. Each cat develops its own “vocabulary” with its human, which it obviously uses to interact most successfully with its owner. She learns how we react to different forms of meowing and adapts this to our everyday lives. We don’t always listen to her, because sometimes the sweet “Mau” turns into a demanding, drawn-out moaning, which is mainly used at night or in situations that are more disturbing for us, to demand food, something to do, or some other form of attention. If meowing regularly robs people of their sleep or if it also prevails in everyday life, vocalizing is ultimately even a reason for consultation in a practice for cat behavior. Some breeds like the Siamese are considered to be particularly communicative.
Japanese Researchers Prove Name Recognition
In the meantime, a study from Japan has been published, in which it was proven that cats can actually recognize their names and distinguish them from other words. Words that sounded similar were first played to the feline subjects, after which the animals increasingly lost their attention. Only when their name was heard did the majority of them show a form of attention or recognition with a head or ear movement – both from their owners and from strangers.
In a further study, it was finally established that the individual animals in the multi-cat household also seemed to distinguish their individual names. However, to what extent they listen to it is another matter entirely.
What is Worthwhile is Shown More
As in many areas, cats seem to respond primarily to their names when they associate them positively and have a good relationship with their human – just as they can learn short commands in trick training, provided a trick performed is followed by something worthwhile. “Sit”, “down” and “high five” are combined with an expected action, like walking into the transport box or, in the simplest case, jumping onto the couch next to the person who taps their hand on the appropriate spot. The cat learns to associate verbal commands or pointers with an action.
It is nice to see that we understand more and more these fascinating beings, not only feel their individuality and intelligence but also research them scientifically and learn to perceive them as sensitive and versatile creatures. Our cats are far more intelligent and communicative than was often assumed in the past – it just depends on the right motivation, for example, whether Kitty reacts to her name or just looks tired.