Why Does Your Cat Talk Back to You?

Cats developed their language to talk to humans. They built the set of signals to tell them what they need and what they don’t want their cat parents to do. However, when your cat talks back to you, especially if they do that often, they may need your attention. Veterinarians from Eastshore Vet, the animal hospital in Branford, recommend keeping an eye on their needs.

Why Does Your Cat Talk Back to You?

Wild ancestors of today’s cats didn’t use meowing as a way to communicate with each other. For that purpose, they mark their territory, use body language, or simply hiss. It is only kittens that meow to let their mother know where they are and to inform her when they are hungry. Little kittens use these meowing sounds like a survival technique. For that reason, feline experts believe that cats see their owners as big cats who are supposed to fulfill their needs. In our presence, they stay forever as big kittens who rely on us for their food and shelter.

On the other hand, there is another theory that suggests that cats developed this special language as a part of evolution. During their long companionship with humans, these intelligent beings have created a special set of sounds and invented the nuances to communicate with their people. They listened carefully, picking up correct pitches to express their needs and communicate their wants in the best possible way.

However, many cat parents report that their beautiful furry friends act sometimes as a cranky old lady. They protest and demonstrate by talking back whenever their needs are not met. Some cats go even further and show their revolt when a cat parent doesn’t permit certain activity or behavior. When they talk back to you it usually looks like a way to protect their dignity and their sovereign position in your home.

Some cats may talk back to you when they are angry or annoyed with your behavior. For example, if you give your full attention to your child, you may hear your ball of fur talking back to you in a protest. Feline experts suggest examining carefully cats’ behavior and pay attention to their needs. Sometimes, a grumpy cat may look insolent on the outside, but they may hide pain or some other ailment that torments them continuously.