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

wnylib

(25,454 posts)
7. Watch them closely for any change in expression
Sun Feb 22, 2026, 02:37 PM
15 hrs ago

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