Have You Ever Found Yourself Unconsciously Speaking to Your Cat in a "High-Pitched Motherese"?

Don't be shy! Using "motherese" — the high-pitched, sing-song way we often speak to babies — when talking to your cat actually has its benefits.

Humans often unconsciously switch to "motherese" when communicating with pets. Experts believe this instinctive behavior stems from an underlying assumption that the listener may not understand language clearly — much like when talking to foreigners, infants, or animals. In these situations, people tend to raise their pitch and soften their tone to facilitate better communication.

Another viewpoint is that humans use "motherese" with pets to treat them like their own children, thereby fostering a deeper emotional bond.

Cats, it turns out, really appreciate the style of "motherese". They tend to dislike low, loud voices, but respond positively to the slower pace and higher pitch of motherese, which helps them relax. Moreover, when humans speak in motherese, their facial expressions usually become gentler, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere during interaction.

For cat owners, using "motherese" to communicate offers many benefits: it signals to cats that you are not a threat, provides them with a sense of security, and helps them feel more affectionate toward you.

If you feel embarrassed about using "motherese," don't worry. Cats don't actually like motherese itself; rather, they enjoy the tone, volume, and overall mood it conveys. Therefore, you don't need to force yourself to use it. Speaking with a calm and friendly voice can achieve the same positive effects.