What if Your Cat Could Talk? A Serious Look at Whether Cats and Humans Could "Truly Get Along"

If I could speak the same language as my cat, I feel there would be so much more I could understand... Living with a cat, one sometimes feels that kind of frustration. But, if I really could speak the same language as my cat, would we truly be able to have a relationship where we understood each other better than we do now?

I cannot help but feel that it is precisely because we cannot speak the same language that humans and cats are able to foster such a deep bond.

It is because we cannot talk that our powers of observation are sharpened

When we can speak the same language, humans inevitably rely on verbal communication, and more often than not, we take the other person's words at face value. And, ironically, it is surprisingly difficult to convey one's words to others effectively.

We might put on a brave face and say "I'm fine" when we aren't, or say things that end up angering the other person when we actually want to apologize; there are many instances where feelings get lost in translation in verbal communication.

On the other hand, non-verbal communication requires more time to face the other person and truly understand their heart, which I feel makes it easier to arrive at their honest feelings.

For example, when I sense that my cat isn't feeling well. If we could speak the same language, I'm sure they would just brush it off by saying, "I'm fine." Because I believe they have a pride all their own.

But because ours is a non-verbal relationship, we as their human family worry that they might be ill, carefully observe their daily behavior, and take them to the vet. Since I cannot hear them say "I'm fine," I find myself wanting to find proof with my own hands that they really are okay.

That kind of proactive effort to understand someone else's heart isn't something you often see in human relationships. That is why I think it is a precious act, and it makes me a little happy to know that I am capable of caring for someone so deeply.

Moreover, the powers of observation honed toward a cat can also be applied to those with whom we share a language. Cats teach us the ability to perceive feelings. Realizing this, I have come to cherish the quiet communication with my cat even more.

There is a healing that can only be received from a cat's "silence"

While some cats are quite talkative, compared to dogs, cats spend a lot of time in silence. I, for one, truly love that silence.

When I am exhausted from the hustle and bustle of daily life, talking to people becomes a chore, and no matter how much I like someone, having them intrude upon my territory leaves my heart feeling drained.

Because we are humans who speak the same language, there are days when I just don't want anyone around. Pushing myself to talk when I am mentally and physically drained is painful, but if the silence stretches on, it feels somewhat awkward.

But when the person by my side at such times is my cat, my heart feels at ease. I don't have to say anything, and the way my cat simply stays by my side feels like a "gentle expression of love," which heals me.

My cat doesn't use cliché phrases like "You worked hard" or "It's okay to cry"; by simply being there with me, they fully validate me exactly as I am. Because they stay by my side no matter how pathetic I may look, I can let down my guard and show my vulnerable, sloppy side that I would never show to another human.

That kind of peace of mind is something I surely wouldn't get if we spoke the same language.

My cat tells me with their actions, "I am here because I want to be here," and simply stays by my side. Because of that gentle expression of love, I feel like I can finally breathe when I am tired and just being my true, authentic self.

The joy of having my love accepted

For a long time, I have disliked flowery words. Phrases like "I like you," "I love you," or "I'll be by your side forever"—I don't want to hear these things, especially from someone I care about. When I hear those words, I feel pressured to return the same amount of love, which becomes agonizing.

Love is invisible and comes in many forms. While I know that in my head, I still find myself tensing up and thinking, "If they say that, I have to cherish them too," or sometimes feeling angry and wanting to snap, "Don't think that just saying sweet things is enough..."

There are times when verbal expressions of love make me happy, but I often feel cold, thinking that our relationship is only connected by words.

But cats are different. Precisely because we cannot speak the same language, ours will never be a relationship tied only by words, and because we don't communicate through speech, I feel we are connected by the heart.

For instance, even just taking a hug; if a cat doesn't want to be held, they will get away. Seeing that kind of honest, unadulterated reaction makes the joy of having my love accepted feel so much greater.

One can say "I love you" even when their heart is empty, but a cat with their strong sense of caution will not allow physical contact unless they truly like you.

That is why, for someone like me who has developed a deep distrust of people, the time I spend hugging my cat tightly and confirming our mutual affection is a moment when I can truly feel what "love" is. It is because I can deeply feel that, yes, we really are in love with one another.

No matter how much people affirm me with words, I cannot believe them; yet, when my cat allows me to hug or kiss them, I can even bring myself to think, "It is alright for me to exist in this world." We humans might be relying too much on words... Living with a cat makes me reflect on that.

While there are times, such as when they are ill, that I become frustrated by our inability to speak the same language, I am ultimately glad that I am a creature who speaks a different language than my cat.

In the absence of spoken language, the bond I have fostered with my cats over these ten years is surely firm and profound. Fully aware of that preciousness, I hope to continue enjoying our silent conversations for years to come.

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