Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Telepathic Communication With Your Cat: How Olga Anticipates My Actions

Your move, Chris. Hurry up, I have to play Kasparov at noon.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Cats have a reputation for being more mysterious and spiritual than other animals, and while I’m amazed by their actions and respect their cunning minds, I don’t think they’re psychic or telepathic. I’m cynical about spiritualism, but I admit that cats and their owners engage in unspoken communication.

Felines aren’t telepathic in a science fiction sense; they can’t move objects with their minds or force birds to fly into brick walls, but they’re talented at anticipating our actions from our body language. If Olga were genuinely telepathic, I would lock up my cutlery and keep her food in a safe.

divider cats oct 2024

Sorry Christopher, these are my jeans now.
Sorry Christopher, these are my jeans now.

The Breakfast and Dinner Bells

When Olga is hungry, which is most of the time, she employs various methods to get my attention. In the morning, she’ll whine if I hit the snooze button on my alarm since she knows I’m delaying her breakfast. Then, she’ll jump on the bathroom sink and play hockey with my contact case, and if I’m still asleep, she’ll lick my head.

I don’t feed Olga until I finish working in the evening, but she sends psychic messages a few hours before dinnertime. She sits next to my desk, stares intently, and tries to look neglected. I’m unsure where she learned to use “puppy dog eyes” to beg for food, but she’s mastered it.

If I make eye contact, she grunts and walks toward the kitchen. I usually ignore her, but if I wait too long, she’ll scream and find something on the kitchen table to knock on the floor. She knows my routine when I’m signing off at work and listens for the sounds I make when turning off my computer and moving my squeaky chair.

If she hears this when she’s in the litter box, she’ll bolt out of it prematurely and return after she’s fed.

I can tear up the couch and the scratching pad at the same time. I'm gifted.
I can tear up the couch and the scratching pad at the same time. I’m gifted.

Playing Games

Sometimes, Olga will run over to me if I stare at her too long, and I guess she thinks my stare is an invitation to play. She’ll hunch up her back, fluff out her fur, and hop in my direction like an overgrown rabbit. If I approach her, she’ll hit me in the leg and run away. She wants me to chase her or throw a paper ball she can bat around.

She isn’t fond of playing alone and can tell when my attention isn’t focused on her during a game. Like many lazy owners, I’ve tried watching TV or reading while playing with her, but she walks away irritated and usually takes a nap.

Although cats aren’t psychic, they’re incredibly skilled at reading our faces and emotions. I feel safer knowing that Olga isn’t telepathic and is incapable of attacking me by moving sharp objects with her mind.

Cats like following a routine for several reasons, but one rarely discussed is that it helps them anticipate their owners’ actions. Olga listens for the sounds of me waking up or finishing work and knows I’m about to leave when I pick up my wallet and keys or change clothes.

This article is a part of Christopher and Olga's series.

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Scoliosis in Cats: Detection & Treatments (Vet Answer)

Scoliosis represents a lateral curvature of the spine, especially of the thoracic area. If you look at your cat’s spine from above, you...

Do I Need to Get My Indoor Cat Vaccinated? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Guide

If your cat is an indoor cat that rarely ventures outside, their chances of injury and illness are likely lower, but does this...

How Often Do I Need to Bathe My Cat? Facts & 7 Vet-Approved Reasons Why

Bathing your cat is not something most owners think about. Cats are notorious for being self-grooming animals. For the most part, they do...

10 Typical Types of Cat Beds (With Pictures)

Cat owners will know that cats all have their own resting and sleeping preferences, and some cats can be rather picky about only...

More related

Why Do Cats Like Beards? 7 Interesting Reasons

You may have noticed that your cat is fond of your beard, often snuggling up to it while you sleep and maybe even...

How Long Do Siberian Cats Live? Vet-Verified Lifespan Facts & FAQ

The Siberian, also known as the Siberian Forest Cat, originates from Siberia, Russia, and is highly resistant to cold weather and cold conditions....

Acupuncture for Zazzles: Dr Karyn & Holistic Treatments for Cats

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and...

8 Siberian Cat Colors & Patterns (With Pictures)

Jaunty, hardy, and oh-so delightfully fluffy, the Siberian cat is a favorite of many cat lovers around the world. And the best part?...

Keep reading

Cat Dingleberries: Vet Reviewed Causes & Prevention Tips

Dingleberries (singular dingleberry) is a slang term for dried feces stuck onto a cat’s fur around the anal area and back end. While it’s not a pleasant topic, and many cat parents may wish to leave that area alone, it’s...

cat licking its butt

Why Are My Cats Fighting All of a Sudden? 5 Vet-Approved Reasons & Tips

There is something so disheartening about two best pals turning into enemies. If your cats have always gotten along but seem to be at each other’s throats all the time now, you know there has to be a reason. Sometimes,...

cats fighting

Are Rubber Plants Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined  

The American rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) is native to South America. However, it will flourish indoors with proper humidity and adequate sunlight. This plant is also called a baby rubber plant and a pepper face plant. Your cat may take...

Catster_Are Rubber Plants Toxic to Cats

Why Does My Cat Have Dandruff? 11 Vet Reviewed Causes & Treatment

Perhaps you’ve noticed some white flaky bits on your cat’s skin or in their coat and you were wondering about it. Cats have the propensity to experience dandruff in much the same way that we do. A little bit of...

siamese cat fur with dandruff

Can Cats Drink Lactose-Free Milk? Vet Approved Facts

The image of the happy cat lapping up milk is an old cliché. While many feline parents assume that their kitties would enjoy a bowl of milk now and then, the surprising truth is that dairy products from cows could...

Can Cats Drink Lactose-Free Milk

Redford Naturals Cat Food Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary The store brand for Pet Supplies Plus, a national pet store chain, Redford Naturals, offers both wet and dry cat foods for owners who want the best for their pet but don’t necessarily want to break the bank...

Redford Naturals Cat Food Review

Do Neutered Cats Still Mate? Vet-Approved Facts

Neutering a cat involves surgically removing a cat’s reproductive organs to prevent them from reproducing. It is done by a veterinarian by the time most cats are around 4 months of age or sexually mature. Owners may choose to get...

Close-Up Photography of Tabby Cats Laying

What If Your Cat Isn’t a Lap Cat? 6 Vet-Approved Reasons They May Not Want to Sit With You

Cats are just so unique! Some cats are super energetic, while others are quite calm. Many cats are standoffish, but just as many are cuddly. So, why are some cats not lap cats? This can be disappointing for some owners....

A cat near his human on the couch and computer.