Why Your Cat Responds to the 'Pspsps' Sound: Unveiling Four Fascinating Reasons

Despite the lack of scientific proof, four widely accepted hypotheses explain why cats may

react more to the "pspspsps" sound than to any other noise you create to attract their attention.

1. High frequency

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Cats have a keen sense of hearing, even though they may not always appear to. Because the 'S' sound operates at a higher frequency than most other human noises, it is said to stand out to cats, who have hearing three times that of humans. It is believed that this high-pitched sound combined with the occasional "P" sound produces a rhythm that catches the attention of cats.

2. Similar to sounds found in nature

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The sound "pspspsps" is similar to other natural sounds that cats could find appealing when hunting. Cats are forced to investigate when they hear the sound of "pspspsps" because it mimics magnificent insects, rustling leaves, birds fluffing their feathers, or mice attempting to disappear in the thick grass.

3. Resembles a mother’s call

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Although your cat may associate the "pspspsps" sound with prey, there is an alternative idea that suggests your cat may be alerted to the possibility of a predator in the vicinity. Cats will hiss at anything that frightens them when they're angry or scared. As a result, when kittens become older, they discover that they should seek refuge from their mother as soon as she produces that hostile noise. Any warning sound we produce can also alarm domesticated cats, who view us as their human parents. Afterward, they may come to us for safety.

4. Conditioned to respond

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The last theory is that we may have unintentionally taught our cats to react to the sound of "pspspsps." Consider this: you most likely gave your cat goodies and cuddles if they came to you when you called them with this sound. So, without even realizing it, you taught them that when they react to the sound, nice things happen. Because of this, your cat is drawn to the attention and advantages it provides rather than the sound itself. Yes, that's clever!