How many (hooman) words do your cats understand?

[Kirsten]

I'm pretty sure they understand a lot, and are also able to associate the correct meaning. And they have a long time memory for words!!

Luna surprised me a while ago. When she was young we used to play a lot with a laser pointer, I called the game "kitty light", and every time I mentioned the word she would come running and sit down in her "hunting position", ready to chase the red spot. Then, after a while, the laser pointer broke, so we didn't play for at least one year, or even more.

Then, one day, I just mentioned the word, "kitty light", and to my surprise, she ran to me, meowed happily, and sat down, ready to chase the light. She had in fact remembered the word, and its meaning, after such a long time. Well, what else could I do but buy a new laser pointer?

Except for kitty light, there are a few more words (or short sentences) my girls know very well:

"Komm zu Mama!" ("Come to mommy", I usually say this to them when it's cuddling time)
"Essen" ("eating")
"Frühstück" ("breakfast")
"Hill's i/d" (Lily's favourites)
"Toy"
"Tablette" ("pill, meds")
"Treats"

These are the words they definitely understand, but I'm sure they understand a lot more.

Which are the words your kitties know?

Kirsten

[sasvermont]

treat

[sumbirdy]

Aza is only 1 1/2 month old so I don't think she really understands anything yet (or maybe she is just fooling me)

[RICHARD]

For Ed it's the opposite..

What words do he not understand?

GET OFF THERE!

[kimlovescats]

"Out" ... when they are in a room that I am trying to keep them out of ... like my bedroom when my asthma is flaring up!

"Get Down" .... although they understand it, many of them toy with me until I get a few steps closer!

"Treats" .... I do believe they know this one too!

Every single one of them knows their own name without a doubt! I can call one of their names in a full room, and only that cat will respond!

[Barbara]

I am afraid F+ T do not even understand their own names.
However they understand when I THINK "vet" or "meds".

And I understand a lot of their language:
Like Bloody f... heck where is my dinner? (I am sorry that's Tigris' language- I have no idea where he learnt it )

[mruffruff]

I don't know for sure that Mac knows words. He certainly does talk to me though. He always says "Thanks" when I let him in from the back yard by giving me a small mew. He definitely knows his name when I call him. No matter what I call it, he knows when I'm going to feed him and jumps up on the washer (where his dish is). We communicate more by tone and looks.

[Kirsten]

LOL@Tigris!!

Well, sometimes it may be a good thing that we don't understand everything they say!

BTW, I forgot to list "Get down", mine understand that very well, too!

Kirsten

[wolflady]

Mine all seem to have "selective hearing". They know what the words mean, but purposely choose to ignore me!

They all know their names, and other words they know include:
food
treat
NO
OFF
down

Does the sound of my pantry door opening count? They certainly know that one well and come running from wherever they were anytime I do open that door. *snicker*

[Lizzie]

They understand

OUT!!!

and

NO!!!

The first causes the instant reaction of scuttling feet and a fight to see who can get out of the door first. The second causes the tail and head to go down. I've tried saying other words in the same tone of voice and they don't react, except to look confused, so I'm sure they understand the words themselves.

They also understand (I think)

"I'm sorry, really, really sorry, forgive me."

When I accidentally bump one of them in my face with my elbow, or step on a foot while trying to clamber over another cat. They stop moving away, watch my face and listen, and then move forward for the comforting fuss.

Most not only know their names but their pet names. Dagda,for instance, knows that when I say "where's my big guy" that I'm looking to pay attention to him.

Like Barbara's cats, mine also know when I'm thinking "vet" or "medication", even though I keep my face bland and my demeanor calm.

[Donnaj4962]

My girls definitely know their own names, and the words "treats" and "dinner" and "breakfast"!!!

Now me, I know that the first thing in the morning, Sasha's meows tell me that she needs me to get up and turn on the faucet in the bathroom. Tabitha will softly agree and ask me to get up! (Sasha is much more demanding!)

And I know that when Tabitha is going to rid herself of a hairball, her meow sounds quite distressing.... not like her normal ones. I ALWAYS come running from wherever I am. Not that I can actually help her, but I just feel the need to be in the room, giving her encouragement that it will be okay and that Meowmie is here. Yeah, I know.... sad, isn't it???? :::Please don't tell my family; they will REALLY think I am crazy!:::

[RedHedd]

They both understand "treat" and will come running. Mitzi knows her name; Mishi I'm not too sure about but then that could partly be my fault as he has so many nicknames

They both know "No" and I would NEVER use the word "Pill" around them. LOL right now Mitzi is on amoxy drops for an ear infection. I keep them in the fridge, as you're supposed to, and now every time I open the fridge she runs and hides under the bed. Poor girl Treatment is almost over.

[Kirsten]

They also understand (I think)

I'm sorry, really, really sorry, forgive me.

When I accidentally bump one of them in my face with my elbow, or step on a foot while trying to clamber over another cat. They stop moving away, watch my face and listen, and then move forward for the comforting fuss.

Same here!! I think they really understand when I apologize to them!!

And I know that when Tabitha is going to rid herself of a hairball, her meow sounds quite distressing.... not like her normal ones. I ALWAYS come running from wherever I am. Not that I can actually help her, but I just feel the need to be in the room, giving her encouragement that it will be okay and that Meowmie is here. Yeah, I know.... sad, isn't it???? :::Please don't tell my family; they will REALLY think I am crazy!:::

As a loving cat mommy, I don't think it's crazy at all!!

Kirsten

[Edwina's Secretary]

They are both sitting here with me so I asked them...they understand...

Tuna
Stop hitting Eddie!
Let's go!
Get down here! (when they climb too high on the slope)

And even though their names are so similar....they do respond to the correct name...when they choose to respond.

And their vocabulary is limited to one word...NOW! I am expected to figure out what it is they want NOW!

[G535]

My cat understands everything I say, unfortunately he also has selective hearing.