Science suggests the answer is… probably yes.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo found that cats can recognize their owner’s voice, but often choose not to respond. The study observed cats in their home environments and played recordings of both their owners and unfamiliar people calling to them.
Most cats reacted in subtle ways. Over half turned their heads, and many moved their ears, behaviors that indicate they heard the sound. These are known as “orienting responses,” a typical reaction to noise.
However, very few cats showed clear social responses like meowing or tail movement. Even when they recognized their owner’s voice, they rarely tried to engage or come when called.
Interestingly, cats did respond slightly more strongly to their owner’s voice than to strangers, showing they can tell the difference.
So why the apparent indifference? Researchers believe it comes down to evolution. Unlike dogs, which were bred to work alongside humans and follow commands, cats largely domesticated themselves. As a result, they never developed the same instinct to respond to human direction.
In other words, your cat probably hears you, it just doesn’t feel particularly obligated to answer.
Source:
Saito A, Shinozuka K. Vocal recognition of owners by domestic cats (Felis catus). Animal Cognition, July; 16 (4): 685-690.
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