Have you ever wondered if cats know their own name? Unlike dogs, cats aren’t known to come running when called. But if your cat doesn’t even twitch when you call their name, that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t know it.
According to a study published in 2019 in the journal Scientific Reports, cats do indeed recognize their own names. The lead author of the study is a behavioral scientist named Atsuko Saito from Sophia University in Tokyo, whose previous research has shown that cats can recognize their owners’ voices.
Do Cats Know Their Own Name?
For the name recognition study, researchers observed cats living in ordinary households as well as cats residing in cat cafes. While the cafe cats could distinguish their own names from common names, they couldn’t differentiate their own names from those of other cats living in the cafe.
Domestic cats, on the other hand, could discriminate their own names from common names and from the names of other cats living in the house. This led researchers to conclude that cats can differentiate human language content based on phonemic differences.
Why Does My Cat Ignore Me?
If we know that cats are capable of recognizing their names, why don’t they come running when called? It’s simply a matter of being cats.
Humans tend to compare cats and dogs, but we really shouldn’t expect the same types of behaviors from these two very different species. Our feline friends are aloof and more independent than dogs and don’t always see the need to respond when called by name.
Some cats do come running when called. If you have a cat like that, congratulations! Cats that readily interact with you and respond to your vocalizations are a lot of fun to have around. These cats are often described as “dog-like” due to their extra devotion to people.
Be Patient If Changing Your Cat's Name
Changing your cat’s name can be a significant decision, often met with various reactions from your feline friend.
While cats may not respond to their names as readily as dogs, they do form associations with specific sounds and tones. Here’s a look at how cats might react to a name change and some tips for making the transition smoother:
- Understanding Reactions: Cats may initially seem confused or indifferent when you start using a new name. They might not respond immediately, as they need time to adjust to the change. Some cats may even exhibit slight changes in behavior, such as being less responsive or more cautious.
- Gradual Transition: To ease your cat into their new name, start by using it alongside their old name for a while. Use the new name when addressing or interacting with your cat, gradually phasing out the old name over time. This allows your cat to become familiar with the new name without causing confusion.
- Positive Reinforcement: Associate the new name with positive experiences to help your cat make a positive connection. Use treats, toys, and affectionate praise when using the new name, reinforcing the idea that responding to it leads to enjoyable outcomes.
- Consistency is Key: Once you’ve settled on a new name, stick with it consistently. Avoid switching back and forth between names, as this can cause confusion for your cat. Consistency helps your cat learn and respond to their new name more effectively.
- Patience and Time: Be patient during the transition period, as it may take some time for your cat to fully adjust to the new name. Every cat is different, so the amount of time it takes for them to respond to their new name may vary.
- Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to your cat’s reactions and behavior throughout the process. If they seem particularly stressed or confused, consider adjusting your approach or seeking advice from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
Changing your cat’s name can be a positive experience with the right approach and patience.
By gradually introducing the new name and reinforcing it with positive associations, you can help your cat adapt to their new identity smoothly.
How to Teach Your Cat Their Name
You might be surprised to learn that you can train cats to recognize their names. You can teach your cat their name (or remind them of it) the same way you can teach any new behavior.
Follow these easy steps to teach your cat their name. First off, avoid overusing your cat’s name.
Repeatedly saying your cat’s name multiple times can cause your cat to ignore it as background noise. Especially when you’re trying to teach a new name to your cat, stick to using it during training sessions. Later on, you can say the name more freely; your cat should recognize it by now.
Next, create a positive association with your cat’s name by associating it with a tasty treat. Use something your cat really likes, such as plain chicken bits or a favorite treat broken into small pieces.
Say your cat’s name and immediately give them a treat. Say your cat’s name again and give them another treat. Do this about 10 times in a short period, then take a break.
As training sessions progress, make sure to mix your cat’s name with other words and talk as you normally do, but only reward with a treat when the name is said. This way, your cat will associate the treat with their name, rather than the sound of your voice alone.
Practice the name game every day, about two to three times a day (morning, noon, and night is good), for as long as it takes for your cat to recognize their name.
To test if your cat knows their name, say the name without holding a treat and see how they react. If they turn to you (or come running!), you’ve succeeded.