Do cats really understand what we say to them?

Aw, that's cute that your cat meows back. I don't think they can completely understand what you're saying, but I've read many times that cats (and dogs) can understand a person's tone of voice, and in my experience that's true.

I really think they can from my experiences. I have plenty of cats at home and they all know theirs names. I have two cats, coffee and mushroom, that I am really fond of and all they ever think of is food. If it is not food it is sleep. When I call their names they look at as if to say 'yes'!! They know when I am not happy with them too.

Most definitely! I'm sure that he does. And if you tend to use the same word or words all of the time, he will get the message. My Waffles cat, for example, understands me when I call her a "bad girl." I tell her that when she poos on the bedroom rug. Her eyes widen and she takes off and hides until the coast is clear, lolol! And my cats understand their names.

Well, I think he may not understand exactly what you are telling him, but he sure knows that you are talking to him! He loves the attention you are giving him which is why he 'talks' back to you - it's his way of making sure you continue giving him attention until HE says when you may stop! Cats have a lot to say to people who know how to look and listen to them, which means you are a wonderful owner!

My cat understands what "no" means and "get down". As far as when I'm talking to him just to have someone to talk to, I doubt it. It's just comforting when they stay there and purr and meow. He may not understand what I'm saying to him, but he sticks around and makes me think he does...lol.

My cat Peaches understands me. When I tell her, "go to your food station," she runs right to the place I will put down her bowl. One of the cats knows "go find (another cat)" and runs off to look for the other cat. Josie does not understand "not now." She completely ignores "no."

Yes I think animals most times understand what we say. I have seen lots of cats that follow their owners. I think animals loves us very much. Most times our pets loves us more than we think and more than we loves them. I think you should spend more time talking to your cats. I think it will make him happy. One of the reason he looks right at you because he loves you and wants you to talk to him.

I had a cat named TRISSH she really understood what ever was told to her. There has been a good type of bonding between us. It really hurt me when she passed away and after that I have not bought any cat for pet