Cats tend to get a bad rap. While dogs are known as “Man’s best friend”, felines are viewed as aloof, overly independent, and even downright snooty. The stereotype for cats is not very flattering, and it’s often false.
Many cats are quite loving and create strong bonds with their human family members. Some kitties become besties with other family pets. Then there are cats like Effie, a Calico who has very impressive manners.
@noorvanabloomshe’s my absolute world and I love her so much!!! #fyp #kitty #calico #catsoftiktok
In the TikTok from @noorvanabloom, Effie was cozy on her bed when she heard her mom sneeze. The pretty kitty let out two short meows immediately following the sneeze. It sounded like she was saying what we all say when someone sneezes.
“My cat always tells me ‘bless you’ when I sneeze and it is the cutest thing in the world,” the onscreen text revealed.
Cats have sensitive ears, so certain loud noises can make the muscles in their middle ear contract. This lessens the sound emissions and protects their inner ear. When felines hear a sneeze, especially if it’s loud, they usually have a reaction.
One response is annoyance. If your sneeze interrupts your kitty’s nap or quiet time, they’ll vocalize their displeasure with a meow.
Other cats get scared by a loud sneeze because it startles them. Since sneezing isn’t something they often hear, cats can be more fearful of the noise and let out an anxious mew. Your cat isn’t scared of you when you sneeze — just the sound.
Cats are quite intelligent and pick up on our habits and behaviors. If they consistently see you say something after someone sneezes, your kitty may mimic that action. When the meow is calm rather than nervous or panicked, your cat is very likely imitating your behavior.
Many cat parents find their fur babies hiss after they sneeze. This is because cats can mistake a sneeze for a hiss, so they hiss in return.
Effie seemed pretty calm and cool when she meowed, so I’m betting it was a “bless you”. What a sweet kitty!
