Buzz
The first step in becoming a cat whisperer is quite easy: Just say Pspsps. The sound of those two consonants seems to effortlessly catch the attention of almost any cat. But what makes it so effective?
Like other behaviors—such as the blep—the reason cats react to Pspsps is not fully understood by science; researchers aren't exactly dedicating vast amounts of time or funding to solve this puzzle. But there are some fascinating theories proposed by cat experts.
One widely discussed theory is related to frequency. Cats can hear higher-pitched sounds than humans, and the s sound operates at a higher frequency than most human speech. When the s is interrupted by a p, veterinary behaviorist Katherine Pankratz told Inverse, it creates a staccato effect that’s sharp and attention-catching. Because Pspsps stands out among the usual sounds humans make, cats are likely drawn to investigate its source.
The reason cats react to Pspsps might not be because it sounds unlike other human speech, but because it resembles something they associate with prey. Péter Pongrácz, an ethology professor at Hungary’s Eötvös Loránd University, told Reader’s Digest that rodents' high-pitched squeaks are somewhat similar to the s and other hiss-like sounds humans make. Pet Keen also suggests that Pspsps might remind cats of sounds like rustling leaves, buzzing insects, or even the warning hiss of a mother cat sensing danger.
It's also possible that cats have been conditioned to respond to Pspsps because of our consistent use of it. If you’ve been calling your cat with Pspsps for some time, they may have started to associate it with positive experiences like cuddles, treats, or simply receiving attention.
As for the origin of the term, Reader’s Digest proposes that it's a shortened version of 'Here, pussy, pussy, pussy,' which gained popularity, in part, through the 1930s song 'Pussy, Pussy, Pussy' by the Light Crust Doughboys. The song’s fast tempo makes it sound almost identical to 'Pspsps.' You can even try playing the track for your cat to see if it responds!
