Most people try to call a cat the same way they call a dog. They say the name, they raise their voice, and they repeat it a few times. Then the cat stays put, and the person feels ignored. So they try again, a little louder. That pattern rarely works.
Cats pay close attention to what they see. So your body language can matter more than your volume. Then, once your cat feels safe, your voice can support the message.
What researchers tested, in a real life setting
A research team studied how cats react to different ways people “call” them. The work took place in cat cafés. That matters, since these cats meet strangers often, and they still choose who to approach.
The team compared four simple setups. First came no signal at all. Next came voice only. Then came visual cues only, like a hand offered and calm eye contact. Finally came visual cues plus a short call.
The pattern was clear. Cats walked over faster when the person used visual cues. Then the combined method, visual plus a calm call, stayed strong too.
Why visual cues beat a louder voice
A louder call can feel pushy to some cats. So it can backfire, even if you mean well. Visual cues, on the other hand, look steady and predictable. That makes it easier for the cat to choose “yes” on their own terms.
Your hand placement helps too. A relaxed hand at cat height looks less threatening than a hand reaching down from above. Then your eyes finish the message. Soft eyes and a slow blink can say, “I’m safe. You can come closer.”
If you want the details on the slow blink piece, this guide breaks it down in a simple way: slow blink your cat tonight.
The best way to call a cat, step by step
Try this in a calm moment. Pick a time your cat is awake and not locked onto a toy or a window bird.
Sit down or kneel. Then keep your shoulders loose.
Hold one hand out at cat height. Keep your fingers soft and still.
Look at your cat. Then soften your eyes.
Do one slow blink. Then pause.
Say your cat’s name once. Keep your voice warm and normal.
Wait for a few seconds. Then stay still.
That is it. It feels almost too simple, yet it can change the whole mood.
Small tweaks that help even more
Distance matters. Start closer than you think, then give your cat space to choose. If you stand across the room and call, your cat has a bigger job to do. They must cross open space, and many cats dislike that.
Timing matters too. Call your cat before meals, not after. Then reward the approach with something your cat likes. A treat works, and a short chin scratch can work too. So your cat starts linking your call with good outcomes.
Consistency matters in a quiet way. Use the same sound each time. Some people use a light “pspsps.” Others use a tongue click. Pick one and stick with it. Then pair it with the same hand and eye cues.
One common mistake that makes cats freeze
People often lean forward. They reach out fast. They stare. Those moves can look intense to a cat. So the cat pauses, flicks the tail, or walks away.
Instead, slow everything down. Keep your head level. Keep your hand still. Then let your cat close the last few steps.
What to do when your cat still does not come
Some cats need more time. So keep your call short and end it after one try. Then go back to what you were doing. That shows your cat you are not pressuring them.
Next time, try again in a calmer moment. Then reward even a small step toward you. A cat that takes one step today may take five steps next week.
Cats learn in tiny wins. So your job is to set the scene, then wait, then reward the choice.
