So the universal distribution system chose me this summer and I am adjusting to life with cats for the first time ever. I have two young, very vocal cats. The older one (a tortie) is exhibiting behavior that I found surprising and I wanted to check if this is a universal thing about vocal cats, as well as what to do with it.

She has a meow that she makes when she doesn’t want to do something (be picked up, placed in carrier, etc.) and it has an N sound at the beginning, it resembles the word “No”. Also sometimes when I greet her with enthusiasm and say “Hi” she will respond with what sounds like “Hi”. And both cats will come up and tap my lips with their paw when they are hungry (which I find to be pretty gross honestly)

What is the communication level between cats and humans? Do I need to get a sound board or develop this in any way? Or am I personifying these cats and magnifying this whole situation?