Why adult cats keep meowing with humans: They mimic human babies

People often notice that cats use different sounds to communicate with people and other cats.

A study published in the Natural Library of Medicine claims that cats mimic the crying of a human baby to get people's attention.

Here are some explanations for this.

Attention-seeking

Cats may have noticed that certain vocalizations, resembling the cries of human babies, tend to capture human attention and elicit a response. 

Consequently, they may adopt this behavior as a means to attract attention, especially if they associate it with receiving care, food, or affection.

Communication

Some cats may have learned that imitating certain sounds associated with human infants can effectively communicate their needs or desires. 

They may have discovered that using high-pitched, plaintive meows reminiscent of baby cries can evoke a stronger response from their owners.

Emotional manipulation

Cats may recognize that baby-like vocalizations elicit a nurturing response and use them strategically to engage their owners and gain extra attention or care.

Instinctual behavior

The meowing behavior of domestic cats has evolved and been shaped by their interactions with humans over thousands of years. 

It is possible that certain vocalizations that resemble the cries of human infants have been unintentionally selected and reinforced through human-cat interactions, leading to a mimicry of baby sounds in some cats.
 

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• 13 June 2023

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