September 22, 2025 at 6:24 am

Cat Obsessed Roommate Insists That She Respond To Her Cat In Cat Language When She Meows At Her, But She Finds That Ridiculous

by Ashley Ashbee

A cat partly hiding behind a pillow

Pexels/Reddit

Some cats are super vocal. You wish you could find a cat translator to get the message.

Are they quoting Shakespeare? Are they trying to remind you to take the lint out of the dryer?

We just don’t know what cats are saying. See why the person in this story doesn’t want to try to find out.

AITA for refusing to “meow back” at my roommate’s cat?

My roommate’s cat meows a lot. Like, a lot.

If you walk into the kitchen, it meows.

Other things trigger the meowing.

If you sit down, it meows. If you breathe, it meows.

My roommate insists that when the cat meows at me, I have to meow back “so he knows he’s heard.”

I refuse.

Her explanation is compelling.

Not because I hate cats (I like them!) but because I’m not about to stand there having a full conversation in Cat when I don’t know what I’m agreeing to.

She says I’m “emotionally neglecting” him and making him sad.

I say the cat doesn’t pay rent and can cope.

AITA?

Here is what people are saying.

Maybe kitty will poison him, though.

Screenshot 2025 08 15 at 1.00.19 AM Cat Obsessed Roommate Insists That She Respond To Her Cat In Cat Language When She Meows At Her, But She Finds That Ridiculous

I did with my chatty dog!

Screenshot 2025 08 15 at 1.00.59 AM Cat Obsessed Roommate Insists That She Respond To Her Cat In Cat Language When She Meows At Her, But She Finds That Ridiculous

And if the cat fights you, you die.

Screenshot 2025 08 15 at 1.01.43 AM Cat Obsessed Roommate Insists That She Respond To Her Cat In Cat Language When She Meows At Her, But She Finds That Ridiculous

But you can’t owe your soul to more than one cat, so you’re safe.

Screenshot 2025 08 15 at 12.59.10 AM Cat Obsessed Roommate Insists That She Respond To Her Cat In Cat Language When She Meows At Her, But She Finds That Ridiculous

Or what? You’ll tell cats to haunt him in the afterlife?

Screenshot 2025 08 15 at 12.59.24 AM Cat Obsessed Roommate Insists That She Respond To Her Cat In Cat Language When She Meows At Her, But She Finds That Ridiculous

I’m a dog person, so I’m confused and concerned.

If you liked that post, check out this one about an employee that got revenge on HR when they refused to reimburse his travel.

Ashley Ashbee | Contributing Writer, Workplace & Culture

Ashley Ashbee is a contributing writer for TwistedSifter specializing in workplace dynamics, employee advocacy, and professional culture. Drawing on her real-world experience as a software consultant, she brings a unique, insider perspective to navigating office conflicts, toxic management, and trending professional dilemmas.

Holding a degree in Professional Writing from York University, Ashley combines her formal editorial training with her corporate background to deliver highly engaging, empathetic narratives. She excels at breaking down complex workplace dramas and translating them into stories that truly empower and validate modern workers.

Based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Ashley balances her time between the tech and publishing worlds with her love for the outdoors. When she isn’t consulting or writing, she can usually be found exploring local walking trails or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.