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In reply to the discussion: Cat communication with humans [View all]

wnylib

(25,476 posts)
7. Watch them closely for any change in expression
Sun Feb 22, 2026, 02:37 PM
Sunday

when you say a word. Ember does not always react obviously to a word, except for the words hungry, treat, and tuna. Those words get a quick body response from her.

But I have learned that she twitches an ear when she recognizes other words. She knows the words for some of her toys. When she hears the word, her ear will twitch, usually the left ear for some reason. If the toy is near her, her eyes will shift in that direction. If it's a favorite toy, her body will tense a little at the word for it as if she's eager to play with it.

Sometimes I think that cats understand perfectly much more than we realize but just don't show it in ways that we would recognize.





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2 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Sounds like you are acing reading cat comminication class SheltieLover Sunday #1
I never heard of Egyptian Maus either. wnylib Sunday #5
Mom's Tinker Bell did that inexplicable "butt wiggle" too ! eppur_se_muova Sunday #12
Interesting. I was very surprised to find that wnylib Sunday #17
The Cat Distriution System rewarded you well! SheltieLover Sunday #21
Gorgeous breed! SheltieLover Sunday #2
Well, Ember does not have the Mau spotted coat wnylib Sunday #10
Wow! 30 mph? SheltieLover Sunday #16
Yes, 30 mph. All the breed descriptions of Maus wnylib Sunday #18
Wears me out imagining it SheltieLover Sunday #19
AWWWW, clever girl. And clever Mom for understanding her. niyad Sunday #3
My cat, Patches go to the fridge he also response to the word chicken Walleye Sunday #4
Watch them closely for any change in expression wnylib Sunday #7
I'm sure they understand. SheltieLover Sunday #20
I agree, sometimes I think he understands everything I'm saying. I know they all know the word tuna Walleye Sunday #24
Not subtle Norrrm Sunday #6
Hillarious. That cat communicates well. wnylib Sunday #8
What a clever cat Ember is! MIButterfly Sunday #9
Well, like most Maus, Ember sort of forces you wnylib Sunday #11
Egyptian Maus are very smart and have many unique quirks. The tail thing is really a Mau quirk. flashman13 Sunday #13
Oh yeah. Very stubborn and strong willed. wnylib Sunday #23
Thump! Eva Jo Sunday #14
LOL. Before Ember I had an orange tabby who wnylib Sunday #22
This morning Roy Rolling Sunday #15
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