How to Teach Your Cat to Talk

Co-authored by Brian Bourquin, DVM

Last Updated: July 15, 2024 References

Unlike dogs, cats have not historically been trained to perform tasks for people. They do not understand punishment, but do respond to positive reinforcement.^{[1]
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Research source} In fact, you probably already have taught your cat to talk, in some way. Cats are not naturally inclined to meow, but have learned to because they realize their owners will respond to them.^{[2]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Understanding Cat Communication

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1
Recognize the meow. Cats can make as many as 16 different meows. Paying attention to the different sounds can help you better communicate with your cat.
- A short meow is typically a greeting.
- Multiple meows signal excitement
- A mid-pitch meow is a request, likely for food.
- A deep “Mrow” is usually a complaint.
- A high pitch “Rroww!” is an indication of anger or pain.
- A long drawn out “mrrroww” is usually a demand.
2
Understand what the meow is about. In nature, cats only meow as kittens to get attention for their mothers. When they realize you do not respond to their other signals, they learn to meow. Often the meow is a way to communicate something the cat wants, but it can have other meanings as well.
- Most frequently your cat’s meow is trying to articulate a request. A meow often means that they want food, attention, or to be allowed into a room.
- A meow can also signal distress. Cats vocalize when they are in heat, lonely, stressed, angry, or in pain. They also become more vocal when they get older.
- Other times a meow is a simple greeting similar to a “hello.”^{[3]
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EXPERT TIP

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian

Pippa Elliott, a licensed veterinarian, makes this observation: "Older cats are more vocal, but it can often be for a reason. They may be losing their hearing or eyesight, or have a medical problem such as overactive thyroid glands. If their behavior is out of character, then see a vet."

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Pay attention to nonverbal cues. Some of the most important ways that cats communicate are through body language. Cats, for example, have a complex language of signals that they make with their tails.
- When a cat looks you in the eyes and makes a long, slow blink, they are showing affection. This is sometimes compared to a kiss.
- A cat approaching you with their tail in the air is a greeting that suggests your cat is happy to see you. This has been compared to a handshake.^{[4]
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- If the fur on your cats hair is standing up, this is a sign that they are angry or afraid.
- When your cat's tail is low, or between their legs, they are insecure or anxious.
- A tail thrashing back and forth is a sign that your cat is angry. The faster they move it back and forth, the angrier they are.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Teaching Your Cat a Trick

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Cats are easily distracted, so you should create a quiet and calm environment. Place your cat on the table in front of you and pet them to put them at ease.
Place the treats on the table to get your cat’s attention. Cats are more likely to respond to treats that they aren’t accustomed to. Try to get something new.^{[5]
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Keep meowing until your cat meows and then give your cat a treat, and pet them. Continue as long as the cat is willing to participate.
After your cat no longer seems to respond, take a break. Try again the following day. Repeat every day until your cat regularly responds when you meow.
If you get frustrated and begin to be mean to your cat, they will become stressed and be less likely to respond.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Cat Behavior Trainer

Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.} Cats do not respond to force. You must use positive reinforcement to encourage behavior.^{[7]
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Why should I avoid scolding my cat?

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

Brian Bourquin, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

You should never punish a cat, as cats are not by nature as trusting as dogs. Yelling, shaking, or squirting a bottle at a cat can really do some disrepair to your ability to bond with them.

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What does it mean when a cat rubs against your leg or presses its head on yours?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This behavior has a name and it's called "bunting". It is a sign of affection and possession on the part of the cat. In part she is also spreading scent from the glands on her head, onto you as a means of marking you as hers. Take it as a compliment!

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How long does it take when teaching your cat to meow? EDITS: How long does it take to teach a cat to meow?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

That depends on the breed and how clever the cat is. Some breeds are more vocal than others, such as the Siamese cat, and so it's easier to get her to meow initially, and mark the behavior so she does it again. Other breeds such as the Persian are more silent and vocalization does not come naturally. In addition, some cats are clever and will cotton on to what you want in as short as a few minutes, whilst others take weeks, months, or may never "Get it".

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Tips

Ultimately your cat is its own master. They do not understand the idea of obeying others. They might choose to perform your trick if they come to believe that doing so would be in their best interest, but they also might never perform a trick. Keep your expectations low and do not try to force your cat to do something they aren't interested in.

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A cat mostly sleeps in the day time and sometimes stays up at night. Don't discipline your cat for sleeping. Try to observe their pattern of sleep and adjust accordingly.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If possible, work with your kitty in a room without many distractions. It may also help to shut the door so they aren't tempted to leave!
It is best to do this in the morning when it is quiet, as well as when your cat is in a playful and calm mood.
It's important to have a lot of patience with your cat, as it may take a year to teach them even one trick.

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Warnings

Never scold or hit your cat. They will not appreciate or respond to it.^{[8]
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Brian Bourquin, DVM
Cat Behavior Trainer

Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.}

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