Can my cat understand me? Cats link words with images

Can my cat understand me? It’s a question that crosses the mind of almost every cat owner. Cats are intelligent creatures, but like many smart animals, they choose when and how to showcase their abilities.

Our own cat knows his name, understands phrases like “come here” or “not right now”, and even responds to commands like “lay down” or “show me what you want”. If he’s hesitant about going outside, a countdown from five is all it takes — he knows the door will close at “one”. His consistent responses suggest he genuinely understands these cues.

Now, new research from Azabu University in Japan might confirm what many cat owners suspect. Dispelling the notion of cats as aloof, this study indicates cats can learn word-object associations faster than toddlers. Yes, you read that right.

Led by Saho Takagi, the study reveals cats can form associations with words after just two nine-second trials — a speed that usually takes human infants several exposures to match. No treats, no rewards; the cats were simply paying attention to their humans.

Cats connecting words

The study observed 31 cats — some from pampered homes, others from bustling cat cafés. These cats were shown animated images linked with made-up words, such as “parumo” paired with a growing sun, and “keraru” with a Pegasus. After familiarising with the pairs, the researchers swapped the associations, saying “parumo” but displaying the Pegasus instead. The cats noticed, spending 33% more time watching the screen in response to the unexpected change — proving they recognised the mismatch after just two brief trials.

Human babies, meanwhile, need more exposure to pick up such cues. But these cats were swift, and here’s the kicker: they weren’t conditioned with treats. They simply learned by observing, suggesting cats may be more attuned to human speech than we usually believe. When your cat seems aloof, they might actually be absorbing more than you realise.

What does this mean for cat owners?

For one, it challenges the long-held belief that cats are less cognitively sharp than dogs or even human infants. In reality, they may be quietly absorbing information from us in ways we haven’t appreciated. They’re unlikely to fetch our slippers anytime soon, but they might be decoding more of our chatter than we think.

This has big implications. If cats can rapidly learn word-object associations, it suggests we’ve been underestimating their ability to understand and respond to us. And it’s not about elaborate training or tricks; it’s about daily routines. By using consistent words for things like feeding, playtime, or affection, cat owners could help their pets form stronger associations, deepening their bond.

Looking ahead: future research

Of course, we shouldn’t overstate things. The study only looked at short-term word-object pairings, so it’s unclear whether cats retain these associations over the long haul. Another question for future research is whether this rapid learning ability is unique to domesticated cats or inherent in wild ones as well. More investigation is needed to answer these questions fully.

So, the next time your cat gives you that unreadable look and you find yourself wondering, ‘Can my cat understand me?’ remember: they might be deciphering more than just your tone. They could be actively learning about the world and, quite possibly, understanding you better than you think.