Are You Calling Your Cat Wrong? The Reason Your Cat Isn't Listening

We all want to have a special bond with our cats, one that allows us to connect and communicate in ways that those without pets would never understand. It’s common for cat parents to rely on vocal habits, speaking to our cats as if they can understand some or all of what we’re saying. But is this really the best option? Science says no…

A study by researchers at Université Paris Nanterre offered some interesting insight into how cats interpret human communication and, as such, how your cat interprets what you’re trying to say.

Led by human-cat interaction expert Dr. Charlotte de Mouzon, the research team visited a cat café to carefully observe how the resident cats responded to different approaches by unfamiliar humans. They tested several communication methods, comparing voice-only calls (like calling the cat by name), visual-only cues (such as reaching out a hand or signaling for the cat to come toward them), and a combination of both.

The findings called into question the common myth that cats are entirely independent creatures or uninterested in interacting with humans.

Cats responded noticeably faster when the participants combined vocal sounds with physical gestures than when they were using vocalizations alone. Even more surprising, the cats reacted faster to visual gestures than to voice-only calls. This means that calling out to your cat with your voice alone may leave them guessing, whereas pairing your words with a hand gesture can help to clarify exactly what you’re asking.

The study also highlighted a crucial point about feline stress: the impact of ignoring a cat entirely.

When a human stayed in the same room as the cats but completely ignored them, the cats began demonstrating higher rates of tail swishing, a recognized sign of frustration, uncertainty, or mild stress.

Why does this happen? Cats are highly observant, constantly watching and interpreting their environment and the social dynamics of those they are around, including humans and other pets. When a human is physically present but shows no clear intent or body language, it leaves the cat unsure of what to expect. Cats prefer predictable, transparent signals, and the person is failing to give them that.

Putting the Science into Practice at Home

Learning about how our cats communicate with us is valuable, but it’s only the start. The next step is to identify how you can apply this information to your daily routine to make your home more comfortable and supportive for your best friend. Here are a few easy changes we can make based on this data:

• Whenever you call your cat, pair your voice with a clear, gentle gesture. For example, you can extend your index finger at their eye level or rest a hand near the floor to help communicate that you want them to come toward you.
• Allow your cat to bridge the distance between you at their own pace after calling them over. Giving them the choice to approach helps reduce stress and anxiety and builds trust.
• Avoid completely ignoring your cat if they are nearby, especially if they seem uncertain. It doesn’t have to be anything big. A brief glance in their direction, a soft blink, or a subtle hand movement to let them know you see them can help them feel more comfortable and secure.

By making these simple changes in your interactions, you can eliminate confusion, reduce stress, and build a stronger, more meaningful relationship with your cat. At the end of the day, isn’t that the goal?

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