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

Share

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

One in 100 Cats Gets Diabetes – Here’s How to Catch It Early

One in every 100 cats develops diabetes.1 That’s not a rare, unlucky condition reserved for cats with obvious health problems. It’s common enough...

Dramatic Rescue Turns Into Dramatic Reunion

What started as a routine call for the RSPCA became a heroic, five-hour rescue featuring one trapped and traumatized cat, an emotional family...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! How Do I Know if it’s Ear Mites! (May 4, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Hope for the Tiniest Fighters: Baby Kitten Rescue | Heroes of the Pet World

In a world where the smallest and most vulnerable animals are often the easiest to overlook, Caroline and Baby Kitten Rescue’s work is...

More related

How Cats Respond to Music: Does Olga Have a Favorite Tune?

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

Never Too Old To Travel: Sully’s Big Adventure

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

What’s the Cost of Cat Insulin in 2026? Price Guide & FAQ

Our feline friends can develop diabetes, and like us, they might require insulin. If your cat has been diagnosed with this disease, you’re...

How to Tell if Your Cat Is Depressed: 9 Vet-Reviewed Signs to Look For

Although cats have a reputation for being aloof, they can actually feel a range of emotions. When a cat experiences significant changes in...

Keep reading

Why Is My Cat Suddenly Sniffing Everything? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Every cat owner knows that cats have an extraordinary sense of smell. They use this gift to analyze their environment and grasp their surroundings. Felines have 45–80 million (and possibly up to 200 million) olfactory receptors; we humans only have...

grey cat sniffing on house plant

Do Cats Get Seasick? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Info

Everyone gets a little uneasy sometimes when their body is being tossed this way and that. Some animals get motion sickness far easier than others. If you’re wondering if cats get seasick, or motion sick, the answer is they absolutely...

tabby cat lying on the boat

How Do Professionals Cut Cat Nails? 7 Vet-Approved Useful Tips

Cat claws can shred, tear, and destroy objects in a matter of seconds. So, what do you do when you know that it’s time to give them a trim? Can you even do it at home? It can be stressful...

close up trimming cat nails

Redirected Aggression in Cats: Vet-Verified Causes & How to Stop It

Redirected aggression occurs when a cat becomes frightened or overstimulated by something they can’t get to or do anything about and then attacks a person or another pet who has nothing to do with the triggering event. Redirected aggression can...

Cat Angry Scared

How to Teach a Cat to Sit: Step-by-Step Guide

When you think of behavior training for a pet, you typically think of dogs. However, despite their well-known stubborn and independent streaks, it’s completely possible to train a cat to sit. It’s going to take persistence and timing, but if...

cat obediently sitting on the floor

Why Does My Cat Swat the Dog? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & How to Stop Them

Even though the saying goes, “they fight like cats and dogs,” many felines and canines get along quite well. They’re more likely to form a bond if they meet at a young age, but even if you’ve adopted a new...

a german shepherd dog staring at the tabby cat

Are Cats Monogamous? Vet-Verified Mating Practices

It might be a sweet idea to get two cats that you’re sure are going to fall in love and live happily ever after together. Unfortunately, that type of love and relationship is not in a cat’s DNA. Cats are...

two different cats standing side by side outdoors in the garden

Can Cats Drink Bone Broth? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Bone broth has become a very popular topic of conversation for pet owners. It is being touted as a more natural way for cats to get key nutrients. Some people even claim that drinking bone broth brings cats back to...

Can Cats Drink Bone Broth

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.