Why Do Cats Meow More at Men? New Study Reveals Surprising Insights
A collaborative study conducted by Bilkent University and Ankara University has shed new light on how cats communicate with humans. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Ethology, the research suggests that cats meow significantly more at men than at women, largely because cats believe men do not understand them as well.
Due to the difficulty of bringing cats into laboratory settings, the researchers carried out the study directly inside the animals’ homes. Thirty-one volunteers who live with cats recorded the first minute after entering their home using chest-mounted cameras. In households with multiple cats, the analysis focused on the first cat that approached its owner.
The researchers accounted for variables such as the cats’ age, sex, and the number of cats in each home. Still, one factor stood out above all others: the gender of the human. The average results were clear:
- Meows directed at men: 4.3
- Meows directed at women: 1.8
This discrepancy may stem from the fact that men are less likely to notice subtle nonverbal cues—particularly body language—that cats rely on. As a result, cats may use louder and more persistent vocalizations when interacting with men to ensure they receive a response.
The research team also notes that men in Türkiye tend to engage in less verbal interaction with pets and even with their broader social circles. This behavior may have shaped cats’ communication strategies over time. Prior studies similarly found that women are generally better at interpreting cats’ vocal signals and tend to speak to their pets more frequently.
Evolutionary biologist Dr. Jonathan Losos from Washington University interprets the findings as follows:
“The authors are essentially saying that men miss the subtle signals cats give, and cats respond by being louder. And honestly, that makes sense.”
The study also reinforces the idea that cats’ communication is far from simple. As Dr. Losos concludes:
“People often say, ‘I wish cats could talk.’ The truth is, they do. Our job is to figure out what they’re saying.”
