Cat Got Your Tongue? French Cats Respond Better to Cat Language Than Human Speech

A new study by researchers from the Université Paris Nanterre in France has revealed some interesting insights into how cats communicate with humans.

The study, published in the journal Animals, examined how 12 cats living in cat cafés reacted to four different modes of human communication: vocal, visual, bimodal (both vocal and visual), and no communication.

Cats prefer visual cues over vocal ones

(Photo : DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

The researchers found that the cats approached the human experimenter significantly faster when they used visual cues, such as offering their hand or blinking slowly, than when they used vocal cues, such as calling the cat by their name or making a "pff pff" sound, as per Phys.org.

The cats also responded faster to bimodal communication than to vocal communication alone or with no communication at all.

The researchers also observed the cats' tail-wagging behavior, which is a sign of arousal or discomfort in felines.

They found that the cats wagged their tails more when the experimenter did not communicate with them at all or only used vocal cues, indicating that they were less comfortable in these conditions.

The cats wagged their tails less when the experimenter used visual or bimodal cues, suggesting that they were more relaxed and interested in these modes of communication.

Implications for cat-human interactions

The study suggests that cats have a preference for visual communication over vocal communication when interacting with unfamiliar humans, as per Flipboard.

This may be because visual cues are more salient and less ambiguous than vocal ones, and may also mimic the way cats communicate with each other.

The study also implies that humans can improve their relationship with cats by using more visual cues and avoiding excessive vocalization.

The researchers acknowledge that their sample size was small and that cat cafés may not represent the natural environment of most cats.

They also note that individual differences among cats may affect their responsiveness to different modes of communication.

They suggest that future studies could explore how factors such as personality, breed, age, and socialization influence cat-human interactions.

Also Read: German Town Bans Cats From Going Outdoors to Save Endangered Crested Lark

Benefits of cat cafés

Cat cafés are not only a fun and relaxing way for humans to enjoy the company of feline friends, but they also have benefits for the cats themselves, as per Bearwallow Café.

Cat cafés often shelter rescued cats who are looking for a permanent home or who come from overcrowded catteries.

By exposing them to human interaction and socialization, cat cafés increase their chances of being adopted and finding a loving family.

Cat cafés also provide a safe and stimulating environment for the cats, where they have access to toys, scratching posts, climbing structures, and hiding places.

They also have regular veterinary check-ups and grooming sessions to ensure their health and well-being. Cat cafés also educate the public about responsible cat ownership and promote animal welfare causes.

Cat cafés are a global phenomenon that originated in Taiwan in 1998 and then spread to Japan and other countries.

There are now hundreds of cat cafés around the world, each with its own theme and style. Some cat cafés offer special drinks and snacks inspired by cats, while others host events such as yoga classes, art workshops, or book readings with cats.