{"id":438286,"date":"2023-11-15T12:36:16","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T17:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=438286"},"modified":"2024-06-11T05:10:17","modified_gmt":"2024-06-11T09:10:17","slug":"how-do-cats-learn-their-names","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/cat-behavior\/how-do-cats-learn-their-names\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do Cats Learn Their Names? Interesting Facts & Info (Vet-Verified)"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s always fun naming your new cat or kitten. Names can be adorable, hilarious, commanding, and fitting (although not always). But cats march to the beat of a different drummer.<\/p>\n

When you call your cat, they seemingly don\u2019t always listen, let alone respond. So, can cats learn their names, and if so, how? Cats can absolutely learn their names and can even distinguish their name from other words.<\/strong><\/p>\n

To find out more about how cats learn their names, read on, as we give you all the details and a few tips on how to teach your cat their name.<\/p>\n

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The Independent Cat<\/h2>\n

Cats are often thought of as being very independent by their nature. This is true to a large extent, as many species of cats are solitary, and those that do form groups (such as lions) don\u2019t necessarily always stick together and hunt at the same time. On the other hand, dogs, which cats are often compared to, are pack animals that tend to do everything together.<\/p>\n

<< Note to CP: Removed one paragraph here >> <\/strong><\/p>\n

Our relationship with cats<\/a> goes back about 10,000 years ago \u2013 though some estimates predate this timeline. Instead of relying on each other the way that humans and dogs started out, cats did their own thing and fed themselves on pests in food storage and crops. This way, they ate and humans benefited. This forms the basis of the very interesting theory that cats domesticated themselves and therefore, are very much different from dogs in terms of their trainability and personalities.<\/p>\n

This also helps explain to a certain extent the stigma of why cats don\u2019t necessarily respond the same way that dogs do. While your cat probably knows that you\u2019re talking to or calling them, they also decide whether they want to respond or not.<\/p>\n

Do Cats Know Their Names?<\/h2>\n

Many cat owners think that their cat doesn\u2019t know their name, but a 2019 study found that cats can pick out their names from other words 1<\/sup><\/a>. The study used the owner\u2019s voice speaking words that were similar in sound and syllables to the cat\u2019s name. They also used a person unfamiliar with the cat speaking out the same words and the cat\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

The results showed that the cats recognized their owner\u2019s voice and recognized their names, whether they were spoken by the owner or the stranger. It\u2019s believed that part of what encourages cats to\u00a0recognize their names<\/a>\u00a0is they tend to associate the sound of their name with punishment or reward. But they don\u2019t necessarily have the understanding that their names are actually attached to them, like the way that we do.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit by: Karpova, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How Do Cats Recognize Their Names?<\/h3>\n

For the most part, cats learn their names through repetition, voice recognition, and familiarity. We tend to use our cats\u2019 names often when interacting with them, particularly when the interaction is positive in nature.<\/p>\n

You might say your cat\u2019s name when giving them treats, feeding them, or before a nice cuddle session. Cats will start to learn that when they hear the unique word that is their name, it\u2019s worth responding to.<\/p>\n

Why Don\u2019t Cats Always Come When Called?<\/h3>\n

So, if cats can learn their names, why don\u2019t they come when you call them? Part of this is due to the whole cats and independence thing \u2014 and the famous cattitude that they all have!<\/p>\n

When you call your cat, they likely understand their name and know that you\u2019re calling them, but they may not\u00a0feel\u00a0like responding. Your cat might be busy sleeping, lying in the sun, or chasing a bug.\u00a0They\u2019re certainly too busy to give you their all-important attention. It comes down to whether your cat will choose whatever you want them to do over what they are currently doing. Cats are nothing like dogs in this way.<\/p>\n

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How to Get Cats to Learn Their Names<\/h2>\n

If your cat doesn\u2019t appear to react to their name, you can try saying it while doing activities that will grab your cat\u2019s attention. For example, try speaking your cat\u2019s name just before putting down the food bowl at mealtime. Say their name and then present a new or favorite toy, or say it before a good scratching session.<\/p>\n

Your cat is much more likely to learn and respond to their name when positive experiences and their name are combined. It helps if you only use a soft and gentle voice when calling or speaking to your cat. This will show your cat that it\u2019s safe to approach you.<\/p>\n

What If Your Cat Still Isn\u2019t Responding?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s likely that your cat is indeed responding to their name but in a subtle way. A dog\u2019s moods are generally easy to read, but a cat\u2019s body language can be more difficult to decipher unless you learn the signs. Your cat will likely respond if it\u2019s dinnertime or when you\u2019re holding their favorite treat, but there are other signs that you can look for.<\/p>\n

If you call your cat and they don\u2019t look at you, look at their ears. If the ears twitch or swivel in your direction, they are technically responding. Your cat probably knows that you want their attention, but they might not feel like responding. Once your cat is in a more receptive mood, they will come see you.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, other reasons that your cat doesn\u2019t respond include the following.<\/p>\n

Hearing Loss<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t assume that this is the problem right away, but if you have a senior cat that suddenly stops responding to their name, they could be experiencing hearing loss. However, it isn’t as likely if your cat seems to react to other noises. See your vet if you suspect that your cat is having hearing problems.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit by: Andrew Kota, Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Similar-Sounding Words<\/h3>\n

Anecdotal evidence suggests that if your cat\u2019s name<\/a> rhymes or sounds similar to common items in your home or to other family members, they might just be confused. For example, if your cat\u2019s name is Tandy and your daughter is Sandy, it might work better if you rename your cat.<\/p>\n

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Changing Your Cat\u2019s Name<\/h3>\n

Cats learn their names<\/a> primarily through association, voice recognition, and repetition. The more often you say your cat\u2019s name in a friendly way and precede something that your cat desires (food, pets, etc.), the more they will learn their name<\/a> and react to it.<\/p>\n

You can change your cat\u2019s name at any point, but don\u2019t make a habit out of it, or your poor cat will start to become confused. You also shouldn\u2019t change your cat\u2019s name just because they aren\u2019t responding to you. Most cats do things in their own sweet time.<\/p>\n

Just follow the aforementioned techniques when renaming your cat. Say the new name with a gentle voice before dinner and any other positive experiences.<\/p>\n

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Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Cats learn their names<\/a> primarily through association and repetition. The more often you say your cat\u2019s name in a friendly way and preceding something that your cat desires (food, pets, etc.), the more they will learn their name<\/a> and react to it.<\/p>\n

But remember, cats won\u2019t always respond to it. You probably love your cat for their unique and feisty personality, and you can\u2019t expect anything different when you try to get your cat to do something, even if it\u2019s just responding to their name.<\/p>\n

That independence and cattitude<\/a> can be equal parts frustrating and admirable, which only makes us love our cats more!<\/p>\n

See Also:<\/strong><\/p>\n