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

wnylib

(25,466 posts)
7. Watch them closely for any change in expression
Sun Feb 22, 2026, 02:37 PM
Yesterday

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):

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