Cats won't differentiate your meowing from speaking, but they will appreciate the simple fact that you are addressing them and acknowledging them. In fact, meowing is something that cats only do to get attention from humans.

Do cats understand when we say meow?

Cats don't often meow to other adult cats, but they quickly learn to use sounds to talk to humans. When cats encounter each other, they rarely use typical meowing sounds to communicate. Towards humans, on the other hand, cats are generous with their vocalizations.

What does my cat think when I meow at him?

Cats meow at humans to greet you or ask for something, such as food or to be let outside. If a cat returns a meow from a human, it is responding in kind. Cats love to imitate their owners, so they will talk the same way. Meowing may be a means of communication, but cats do not communicate with other cats in this way.