Does Your Cat Know Their Name?

Welcome to Friday’s Cats.com Newsletter.

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Cats may be less inclined than dogs to come when called, but that doesn’t mean they don’t recognize their own name when they hear it.

Keep reading to learn whether cats know their names You’ll also learn some simple tips for training your cat to come when called (or to at least consider it).

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Blue Buffalo Bursts with Paw-Licken Chicken Cat Treats.

When you’re training your cat to come when called, motivation is key. But even the tastiest treats won’t do much good if your cat doesn’t realize they’re being offered.

These protein-packed cat treats from Blue Buffalo come in a resealable tub that not only keeps the treats fresh—it amplifies the sound of the treats inside when you shake it. Call your cat’s name and give it a good shake. It won’t take long for them to recognize the sound and come running.

Cats.com receives a commission on purchases made through this product recommendation. This helps us to continue our mission of giving you the best cat information on the web. Thank you for your support!

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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

10 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Cat.

Whether you’re thinking about adopting your first cat or expanding your current feline family, check out this week’s featured video on the Cats.com YouTube channel. In it, Sarah Wooten, DVM, discusses the top 10 things you should know before getting a cat. Even if you already have one, you might pick up some helpful tips!

Check out the video on our YouTube channel.

Cats are Smarter Than We Often Realize.

Because our cats don’t communicate using human language, it’s easy to forget sometimes just how smart they are. I’m often reminded of this when I find myself unconsciously executing a behavior one of my cats has essentially trained me to perform. 
 
For example, sometimes when I’m going about my daily business, Munchkin will walk into my path, flop down on the floor, and roll over to expose her fluffy belly. It’s impossible for me to resist crouching down to give it an affectionate rub. The training runs so deep that even my dog, Archie, has noticed and will do the same thing when he’s feeling a little jealous.
 
I’m absolutely positive that my cats know their names. They may not understand the concept of names, but they recognize the sounds and know which one is associated with each of them individually. 
 
Munchkin and Biscuit don’t always come immediately when I call, but it usually doesn’t take long for them to show up. Mostly I think they just give in to their curiosity about what I might be offering them. 
 
What I find most amusing is that Munchkin also recognizes the phrase “cuddle time.” When I’m about to head upstairs for my evening routine of reading, I’ll announce that it’s time to go cuddle, and Munchkin will sprint up the stairs to claim her spot on the bed. 

5 Steps to Teach Your Cat Their Name.

It’s never too late to train your cat to recognize their name, but it’s ideal to do it early in the relationship. All you need are some tasty treats and a consistent training sequence.

1. Position your cat within arm’s reach, then clearly say their name with an upbeat tone.
   
   
2. If your cat looks at you, immediately say “Yes!” and offer them a treat.
   
   
3. When your cat breaks eye contact, pause for a moment, then repeat the sequence.
   
   
4. Engage in several short sessions over the next few days, consistently rewarding your cat each time they respond to their name.
   
   
5. When your cat’s response becomes consistent, start making it a little harder by increasing the distance or introducing distractions like toys. 

The goal is to reinforce the desired behavior until your cat exhibits it consistently. Once it’s clear that your cat has learned their name and they reliably respond to it, you can start phasing out the food rewards. Keep praising your cat, but start intermittently offering them a gentle pat instead of a treat.

A Sneak Peek At Sunday's Newsletter.

It’s no secret that cats love to use their claws. Scratching is an instinctive behavior—one your cat will find a way to exhibit with or without your say. In Sunday’s mailer, we’ll talk about how to choose a scratching post your cat will actually use.