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

wnylib

(26,505 posts)
7. Watch them closely for any change in expression
Sun Feb 22, 2026, 03:37 PM
Feb 2026

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 Feb 2026 #1
I never heard of Egyptian Maus either. wnylib Feb 2026 #5
Mom's Tinker Bell did that inexplicable "butt wiggle" too ! eppur_se_muova Feb 2026 #12
Interesting. I was very surprised to find that wnylib Feb 2026 #17
The Cat Distriution System rewarded you well! SheltieLover Feb 2026 #21
Gorgeous breed! SheltieLover Feb 2026 #2
Well, Ember does not have the Mau spotted coat wnylib Feb 2026 #10
Wow! 30 mph? SheltieLover Feb 2026 #16
Yes, 30 mph. All the breed descriptions of Maus wnylib Feb 2026 #18
Wears me out imagining it SheltieLover Feb 2026 #19
AWWWW, clever girl. And clever Mom for understanding her. niyad Feb 2026 #3
My cat, Patches go to the fridge he also response to the word chicken Walleye Feb 2026 #4
Watch them closely for any change in expression wnylib Feb 2026 #7
I'm sure they understand. SheltieLover Feb 2026 #20
I agree, sometimes I think he understands everything I'm saying. I know they all know the word tuna Walleye Feb 2026 #24
Not subtle Norrrm Feb 2026 #6
Hillarious. That cat communicates well. wnylib Feb 2026 #8
What a clever cat Ember is! MIButterfly Feb 2026 #9
Well, like most Maus, Ember sort of forces you wnylib Feb 2026 #11
Egyptian Maus are very smart and have many unique quirks. The tail thing is really a Mau quirk. flashman13 Feb 2026 #13
Oh yeah. Very stubborn and strong willed. wnylib Feb 2026 #23
Thump! Eva Jo Feb 2026 #14
LOL. Before Ember I had an orange tabby who wnylib Feb 2026 #22
This morning Roy Rolling Feb 2026 #15
Our middle daughter and son-in-law rescued a cat about five years ago that showed up battered and cut phylny Feb 25 #25
Cats are very intelligent. I love them 💙 TommieMommy Feb 25 #26
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