A recent study conducted by a cat lover and expert in phonetics, Susanne Schötz, aims to explore the possibility of communication between humans and cats. Schötz believes that cats rarely meow to each other, and when they do, it is usually to communicate with their human owners. This led her to hypothesize that cats develop their own language for humans throughout their lives. The study, called Melody in Human-Cat Communication, focuses on the melody of cat sounds and aims to investigate whether all cats behave identically in the same situation, and if there are any differences based on breed, gender, age, or geography.
The research team, based at Lund University in Sweden, is also interested in exploring whether the language of cats is influenced by the language or dialect of their human owners. To identify any regional language differences, the team selected study participants from two regions in Sweden, Lund and Stockholm, which are known for their distinct dialects. The study involves recording various speech samples and playing them back to the cats while observing their reactions through cameras.
The researchers hope that the study will provide a better understanding of cats and their communication methods. This knowledge could be beneficial in the field of animal therapy, where it is crucial for caregivers to understand the sounds that cats make to express their needs. The study also aims to clarify whether cats prefer to be spoken to in a higher pitch, similar to how one would speak to a baby, or if they prefer to be addressed as adults. The results of the study could provide valuable insights into the communication methods of cats and their relationship with humans.
