Do cats understand what we say? - Page 2

Janee · #11 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 05:49 PM

I soooo agree with the communication thing. Cats do understand - maybe not specific words but the tone of voice and probably the smell you give off.
(its said that animals can detect cancer before it is symptomatic)

They respond to us and give us signals that they expect us to understand and respond appropriately. Biting for instance is a signal they know we understand - a gentle holding in the mouth is a warning which will increase in intensity if we don't desist

I think animals are much more intelligent in communication than given credit for - think if you were plonked on an alien planet would you do as well at getting essential requirements as a cat?

Siamese Kelly · #12 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helz

I always thought they understood tones of voice as opposed to words.
When I call my cats names I tend to do it in a fairly high pitched voice, if i was to replace their name with another word, but still call them in the same tone, they would still come to me.
If I was to call their name in a much lower tone, they would prob ignore me as they wouldn't think I was calling them.

Thats what i think makes Siamese/Orientals stand out for me as they aren't like any other cat i've met-in that they really do understand you and somehow we understand them,it's really one of many redeeming quality's they hold-and needless to say if you don't understand them first time-they have ways and means

may · #13 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 10:15 PM

I'm sure they understand words, NO they understand but like Saikou's cats they
ignore that or pretend to be deaf

If I say prawns or cheese they go to the fridge shouting loudly at me

i could go on all night about words I know they understand .
What I like to watch and listen to is a Queen making noises to kittens

if you listen carefully you can hear differences especially when they are telling the kittens off

catlover · #14 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helz

I always thought they understood tones of voice as opposed to words.
When I call my cats names I tend to do it in a fairly high pitched voice, if i was to replace their name with another word, but still call them in the same tone, they would still come to me.
If I was to call their name in a much lower tone, they would prob ignore me as they wouldn't think I was calling them.

finally someone with a bit of sense on this thread.........

cats go by body language and tone of voice, they dont have a clue what you are actually saying to them

they or you certainly arent telepathic

wizzadora · #15 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 07:42 AM

i know this is not to do with what we say to cats, but a display of how they understand what is happening.
I suffer from seizures and my cat will know when i have had one and she goes to fetch my partner to let him know i have had one.
He knows she has gone to get him as she will go into him and then run straight back to me.
There have also been times when i have been on my own and i have woke up after a seizure and my cat is there watching me and then she will comfort me.
She also always comes to comfort me if i am crying.
There are times as well when i will be talking ot her and she will answer back so i definately think they understand us

funkycub · #16 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 08:01 AM

Yes, Ella and Effie understand EVERYTHING I say, they choose to ignore most of it!

There are things they do understand - through reptition I think.

If there is a fly in my house - and god created flies just for my cats to do mad for - I say "where is it" and they freak out. So much so that whenever I say those words, they go into a chattering frenzy looking at the ceiling. The other day I was looking for something and couldn't find it and shouted "Where is it". Both girls came running thinking it was a fly!

They know their names and will come if called, no mater what tone I used and Ella comes when I call Ella and Effie comes when I call Effie, so I know they know their individual names.

All Ella likes to play "stick game" where she fetch's and returns a stick I throw. if I saw "Stick game" She bounds off and comes back to me with the stick in her mouth ready to play.

WittyKitty · #17 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumpy

Hi all

I've often wondered if my fur family understand what I say when I chatter away to them but now I think they must do.

Tabitha, my year old tabby 'moggie', has recently had five beautiful fur babies. They were five weeks old yesterday and I have been trying to decide how many, if any, to keep. I'd love to keep them all but I already have five cats and six rabbits. I have more good homes than I do kittens fortunately so if I did let them all go I know they would be well cared for.

Twice I have been chatting to Tabitha about this. Asking her what she thinks and if she would like to keep any (some of you may think this sounds a bit mad, but it made sense to me!!) Both times she has left my bedroom and shortly after I have heard a meow and when I have opened the door she has moved one of the kittens from the spare room 'nursery' to outside my door. Both times it has been the little grey kitten. Do you think she is trying to tell me something?

It's only ever after we have been chatting about the future of her fur babies that she has done this.

I have had many cats but never a grey one and if I did keep one that would be the one so it is good Tabitha agrees

I then have the dilemma of if it would be fair to keep just one as I work all day and the poor little thing may get bored. I have always had kittens in pairs in the past.

It may just be co-incidence but it really looked like Tabitha was trying to show me what she wants me to do. I wonder if I gave her a room full of numbers she could pick out a lottery win for me?

Lumpy

aaaw that is a really cute story

Let us know what you decide to do.

I think they understand. If I say 'are you hungry?' to Waffles she meows and runs to her food cupboard and she understands no, get down, get out and give me a kiss. When I say that she puts her nose on my cheek

SO yes, I would say that they do understand. They are not silly. There are certain places I don't like Waffles to get (like under the stairs) and when it goes all quiet I just know that she is under there. She gets out as soon as she sees me.

I think they are much more clever than a lot of people give them credit for

... maybe I should have called her Einstein

WittyKitty · #18 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siamese candrika

animals are very telepahic and sympathetic when we are ill or down they are great rocks . you should try having telepathic conversations with her and listen for the answers cats are such amazing animals .............. yes she wants you to keep the grey one ,,,, and if you decide you cant i think youd better speak to her first or she'll probably be quite off with you

I agree with this. Waffles has nap times but about a week ago I had a virus and high temperature and she just spent the whole day sitting on my lap. She didn't try to play once or cause any mischief. Good Kitty. OH made a LOT of fuss of her when he came home.

Lumpy · #19 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 01:30 PM

I ended up keeping three of the kittens WittyKitty. The grey one and two of her sisters. The other two - a boy and another girl - went to my best friend and they have totally wrapped him around their tiny paws.

My three play happily together. Tabitha has stopped feeding them at last but still washes them and tells them off occasionally. The other four cats mostly ignore them.

WittyKitty · #20 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumpy

I ended up keeping three of the kittens WittyKitty. The grey one and two of her sisters. The other two - a boy and another girl - went to my best friend and they have totally wrapped him around their tiny paws.

My three play happily together. Tabitha has stopped feeding them at last but still washes them and tells them off occasionally. The other four cats mostly ignore them.

O cool

Good luck with them - you must have your hands full now

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Rescue cats and pedigree cats	Rraa	Cat Chat	18	15-05-2008 01:05 PM
I am a Chinese student, I hope that more foreign friends understand	gtptaosb	Dog Chat	1	04-05-2008 02:02 PM
i dont understand how this works...	sarasquares	Dog Breeding	3	23-01-2008 09:44 PM
i dont understand	noubi	General Chat	16	30-11-2007 05:05 PM