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.

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

I'm glad you're off the phone. Now I can bug you.

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

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.

I sleep with one eye open to keep tabs on you, Christopher.
I sleep with one eye open to keep tabs on you, Christopher.

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 that 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.

This is the life. Do you have any caviar?
This is the life. Do you have any caviar?

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.

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

2 Responses

  1. Just a comment to Christopher and his Russian Blue Olga…my rescue Leo is a Russian Blue mix and is always by my side At 10 years old and a whopping 17 lbs, he sometimes is in the way when i’m on the computer and he rests his head on the keyboard or I’m in my recliner and he walks across my lap to get to the arm of the chair just to be by my side. He is patient when i’m at the computer or on the phone, but makes he’s presence known as i described! BTW…i have 6 other rescued and he’s know as King Leo????

    1. King Leo sounds like such a lovely, and healthy, big boy. Thanks for your comment, Rebecca :) I have passed it on to Christopher.

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

Lyme Disease in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatments (Vet Answer)

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Animals and humans become infected via the bite of a tick....

Cat Ear Sores: Causes, Prevention Tips & Treatment (Vet Answer)

Cats can get sores or scabs on their ears from numerous different things. Sometimes it’s an injury to the ear, or potentially cancer....

Can Cats Eat Salmon? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Cats love fish, right? Cartoons often depict a cat with a fishbone in paw and licking their lips! But that does not mean...

When to Euthanize a Cat? Vet-Reviewed Factors & FAQ

Watching a beloved family pet get old can be hard. As cats age, they will grow weaker and skinnier. Their behavior might change....

More related

Do Abyssinian Cats Shed a Lot? Vet-Reviewed Care Facts

Compared to other cat breeds, the Abyssinian cat does not shed much. They have a short, dense coat, and if you brush them...

Owning a Cat on a Budget: 10 Vet-Recommended Savings Tips

If you’re considering adopting a cat but are concerned about your budget, you sound like a very responsible prospective pet owner. Welcoming a...

10 Best Cat Foods at PetSmart in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

With over 1,500 stores, online shopping, and AutoShip options to rival any of its competitors, PetSmart is a popular choice for all your...

3 Homemade Cat Gravy Recipes: Vet Approved Healthy Options

Cats are obligate carnivores, so they need nutrients only found in animal products for a complete diet—including animal protein and fat. Cats are...

Keep reading

Why Are Tabby Cats So Vocal? 10 Vet Reviewed Reasons

Figuring out why your cat is meowing is a process of elimination. They meow to communicate with you, and your job is to figure out what they’re trying to tell you by seeing to all their needs and making sure...

cute orange tabby cat

Is Food Coloring Safe for Cats? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

In addition to taste and smell, the color of food plays a large role in making our food look tasty or a drink look refreshing. Certain colors can stimulate the appetite or turn it off, and the culinary arts consider...

Catster_Is Food Coloring Safe for Cats

Can Cats Eat Bones? Vet-Approved Diet Facts & FAQ

Household cats may be smaller than lions and tigers, but they share the same prowling, pouncing, and hunting instincts. Cats are natural-born killers, so you may assume that it’s safe for them to dine on bones leftover from your dinner....

Can Cats Eat Cicadas? Vet-Reviewed Health Concerns

As any cat owner will attest, cats are expert hunters. Their instinct for preying on small, fast-moving objects is baked into their DNA. This instinct and innate skill have been key to their survival. While small mammals like mice are...

Catster_Are Cicadas Toxic to Cats

How to Stop a Cat From Climbing a Christmas Tree: 6 Vet-Reviewed Safety Tips

Christmas is a time to decorate your home with decorations to get you in the holiday spirit. One such decoration that is found in most homes is, you guessed it, Christmas trees. It’s fun to put up a tree, and...

cat hiding in the Christmas tree

Are Reed Diffusers Bad for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you are like most people who own a cat, you want to keep your home smelling nice, but you also want to make sure your cat stays safe and healthy in the process. You might have heard of reed...

reed diffusers on the table

Why Do Cats Curl Their Paws? Vet-Verified Reasons, Facts & FAQ

Cats have many adorable habits, one of which is their tendency to curl their paws underneath them and sit in a “loaf” shape. While we rarely think much of the sitting position—other than how cute it is—a cat will curl...

cat folding his paw while sleeping

Tiki Cat – Cat Food Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary With so many different brands on the market, it can be tough to figure out which type of cat food to invest in for your feline family member. If you’re like most pet owners, choosing a quality food...

Tiki Cat Food Review

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.