2007-06-08 09:41:07 · 17 answers · asked by devbeeme 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
i do not think that cats can understand english. however, they respond positively to words like yes, because they are being praised. for no, they associate the word with bad behavior, so they understand the meaning through what you tell them, and how you act
2007-06-08 10:48:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat knows her name, and a cadre of paticular noises associated with either danger (vacuum), and food (can opening, crinkle of the treat bag).
She was being a little goofy the other day. She didn't want to be on the bed because there was too much movement (folding laundry). However, under the bed, when someone said her name, she would crinkle a bag in response. We were pretty entertained by this. "Emma" "crinkle crinkle crinkle" over and over. Pretty fun.
So yeah, cats know sounds, and spoken words have a particular sound. Tone of voice also communicates emotion too. Your pet has a relationship with you, and sees you and hears you sort of like you see and hear them. Just as you sense the emotions of your cat, she can sense your emotions too. Lots of cues.
Cats are great.
2007-06-08 16:56:56 · answer #2 · answered by Shanna S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can associate words with behaviors after time. For example, if you always say "Food!" whenever you feed them, eventually when you just say "Food!" in the same tone of voice, they'll run toward the food bowl.
My cat knows "bed-bed". For some reason I started saying this when I go to bed, and my cat typically follows me there so she can sleep on my pillow. One night I said this, but then the phone rang. I went to the phone, and she went to the bedroom. I tested it a few other times, same response. Kinda funny.
2007-06-08 16:56:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heck! -Half the PEOPLE in the United States can't understand English- and you're wondering if CATS can?!! What's up with THAT??! :)
2007-06-08 16:49:43 · answer #4 · answered by Joseph, II 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They don't understand English, they just associate the sounds you make with the action you want them to do.
2007-06-08 16:49:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cat can understand the word bye. Everytime I left my cat to go somewhere I said bye to it. Now it looks at me everytime I say bye.
2007-06-08 21:09:45 · answer #6 · answered by drama_queen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mine only understands French, and I refuse to learn French!
2007-06-08 18:10:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a cat for 19years and he understood English! It was hard when i had to put him to sleep ;(
2007-06-08 16:53:28 · answer #8 · answered by (Dawizard) 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they have no trouble with the word Food, but can't seem to grasp the meaning of the word, NO.
2007-06-08 16:49:18 · answer #9 · answered by Limestoner62 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah of course they can and if you spoke spanish they could understand that too.
2007-06-08 16:45:08 · answer #10 · answered by Amy D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋