Talking or just meowing? Food test suggests cats call for human attention

Reported by Phys.org · November 12 at 8:40 PM · Summary by Pawdeck

A study led by Naila Fukimoto at the University of São Paulo tested 38 cats and their owners at home. Cats were shown favorite food in a closed box, then tested with owners present or absent. Cats meowed about 16 times more often when their owner was in the room, and most of those meows came while they looked at the owner.

Background

Domestic cats are known to meow more when interacting with people than with other cats, a pattern shaped by the close bond they form with their caregivers. Researchers studying animal communication usually treat such findings as evidence of social use, though they rarely confirm what a cat intends to convey.

Why it matters

It suggests that the meows many owners hear around mealtime may be directed at them, which can help owners understand how their cat communicates.

What you can do

If your cat meows at you around feeding time, consider how you respond, since attention may be reinforcing the behavior. Ask your veterinarian if a sudden increase in vocalizing is a concern.

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Written by Pawdeck from the report by Phys.org. Background is general information, not advice about your pet; if you are worried, call your vet.