Naming your new kitten or cat is not easy. So it's only natural for pet parents to wonder: Do cats know their names? According to experts, catsbe able torecognize and respond to the names we have lovingly given them – but they don't always choose to respond.
Doorwatching the workings of that feline mindwe can gain valuable insight into how cats interpret their names and why they choose to respond selectively.
Key learning points
- Cats recognize their own names (as long as the name is associated with positive reinforcement).
- Cats can also identify and remember vocal patterns.
- Clicker training can help cats understand their name and associate it with a positive experience (treats, toys, attention).
Do cats recognize their own names?
Yes! According toTeresa Manucy, DVM, a veterinarian atVCA Fleming Island Animal Hospitalcats can recognize their name and distinguish it from the names of other pets. She says this recognition is likely due to positive reinforcement, or a cat's association of its name with attention, food or play.
What do cats react to?
Lisa Radosta, DACVB, a veterinary behaviorist atFlorida Veterinary Behavioral Services, reiterates what cat lovers already know:Cats are very intelligent. Paired withgreat ears that can swivelMoving nearly 180 degrees and independently, cats can hear and respond to more than just their names.
Cats recognize the voices of their humans
If your cat seems to respond easily to your voice, but ignores your roommate, you may be on to something. Cats can identify and remember unique vocal patterns, Manucy says. “This means a cat may respond better to a favorite family member than to a lesser-known guest,” she explains.
Radosta says this was demonstrated in aResearch from 2013 among 20 catswho were challenged to recognize their parents solely by voice. The researchers found that when the cats were presented with four different voices, one of which was their pet parent's voice, they showed a clear preference. They turned their eyes and heads towards that voice, gradually ignoring the voices of strangers.
“This ability allows cats to distinguish who is related and who is not,” Radosta explains. "It's another signal that cats use to understand how to live safely and happily in our environment."
Cats recognize Tone of Voice
The tone we use when calling a cat can affect the amount of attention it gives us. Our tone can be associated with emotion — including positive or negative outcomes, which applies to all animals, not just cats, Radosta says.
For example, she says, if a pet parent uses a loud voice to call their cat and rewards them with something they like, the cat will respond positively. However, if the same loud voice is associated with something negative, such as taking a bath or being put in a carrier, it can provoke a negative reaction in the cat.
Cats recognize other words, such as 'Dinner', 'Treat' and 'Beds'
We cannot say with certainty what cats do or do not understand. But we know that they are curious creatures that use contextual cues to adjust their behavior.
For example, if you routinely announce dinner and then feed your cat a meal, he/she will learn that "dinner" is related to food. For this reason, Radosta recommends not combining cat names with anything that could trigger a stress response, such as "vet," "car" or "carrier."
Why does my cat ignore me?
Unlike dogs, cats are naturally independent.This could explain why they ignore us even when they recognize their name being called. You can test whether a cat recognizes its name by calling it without additional cues, Radosta says. If they respond by turning their head or pointing their body toward you, they recognize your name.
However, Manucy says that some cats are simply more independent, distracted or dismissive than others, which can contribute to their occasional indifference.
How to teach your cat his name
According to Manucy, you can teach a cat or kitten their name by associating it with positive experiences, such as saying their name before giving them a treat, toy or attention.
Clicker training catscan also be effective, especially in households with multiple cats or kittens. The key is to help your cat understand that his name has meaning and when he hears it it means we are seeking his attention. To reinforce this, say your cat's name and immediately click and reward him when he looks at you. Training cats together strengthens their understanding and can help them distinguish between their individual names.
Teach your cat different directions
“Cats that know their names and respond positively to them are also willing to learn new things,” says Radosta. "It's easy to get their attention and get them involved in tricks or other activities." Once your cat knows his name, try some of these practical and fun training activities:
- Recall.Pairing a cat's name with a hand signal indicates that it will immediately stop an activity, such as chewing on houseplants, and come to you. As yourcat walks on a leash and harness, a recall is an excellent safety resource.
- Measuring stick.Once you have your cat's attention, use a clicker targeting stick to guide him to the desired spot, such as a mat, where he will be brushed.
- Parking spot.Teach your cat to stay in a safe place when necessary, such as when guests are coming in and out of your home.
- fist bump.For fun and enrichment, teach your cat silly tricks like high fives and fist bumps.
Manmisunderstood as aloof or aggressiveCats are incredible animals that can learn and communicate with us in many ways - if we put the work and patience into understanding them.
Featured image: iStock/rai
WRITTEN BY
Janelle Leeson
Freelance writer
