How Cats React When You’re on the Phone: Olga Is Patient

Ignoring your cat is often necessary when working, talking on the phone, or making dinner. Typically, most cats aren’t fond of what they consider neglect and are not shy about expressing frustration. Several years ago, my Siamese cat learned how to turn off my Xbox when my online sessions lasted too long. Since the digital power button was overly sensitive, he only had to touch it with his nose to end my fun and regain his status as the center of attention.

Olga’s Patience

Patience isn’t usually one of Olga’s virtues, but she’s uncharacteristically calm when I’m on the phone. She’ll sit nearby and stare if my conversation drags on, but she doesn’t jump in my lap or destroy the furniture. She looks irritated if I get off the phone and get another call, but she’s much calmer than when I ignore her while working on the computer.

However, she’s a little bothered by video calls and doesn’t think human voices should emanate from a computer screen. If she is sitting by my chair when a video chat starts, she’ll run off to the living room. I think the sound quality is okay, but the pitch or timbre bothers Olga, and she reacts similarly to YouTube videos. Of course, I understand her reaction to online videos since some have horrendous soundtracks.

Loud Talkers

The sound of a muffled voice from my phone may also irritate her since she doesn’t sit too close when waiting for the call to end. Most of my friends and some of my relatives are high-decibel conversationalists, and I’m sure with her enhanced hearing, she’s happy to keep her distance.

I’m surprised she understands that I’m talking to someone else, but like most healthy cats and dogs, she can hear the other person’s voice and knows my attention is focused on them. I don’t understand why she’s so considerate and avoids bothering me when I talk for too long. If I’m doing anything else, like reading or writing, her patience is thin.

Low-Decibel Meows

My Siamese cat wasn’t as accommodating when I ignored him, and after enduring his screaming, I eventually ended my phone calls. Even if Olga cried the entire time I was on the phone, she wouldn’t be as disruptive as my Siamese. She doesn’t have a powerful meow and only cries constantly when confined to the carrier.

As I mentioned in one of my other articles, I didn’t think Olga could make a sound when she was a kitten. She used to open her mouth to cry, especially when I was prepping food in the kitchen, but no sound would come out. Eventually, she made a little noise, but the sounds were more like “squeaks” than “meows.”

I wondered if she was crossbred with a large rodent until I heard her scream for the first time. I’m glad she’s not a silent cat, and I’m also happy she’s so polite when I’m on the phone, even though it seems out of character for her.