Training cats on their name step by step

Do cats know their name

Yes, cats really know their name and they understand it when you use it (if the cats are trained to name it correctly). But for your cat to decide to listen to you or not is a completely different matter!

Do cats know their name This cat comes after hearing her name
A group of researchers at the University of Tokyo, Japan, tested the name recognition skills of 78 cats using the call with similar words and the names of these cats as well, and found that these cats reacted to their names even when used by a stranger. This may not mean that cats know the concept of a name perfectly so much as it means that they have associated the sound with something positive coming their way and that is the secret that lies in good training.

The importance of equivalence in training

Reward a cat for teaching her the name
Unlike dogs that are looking to please their owners, cats need some additional motivation and stimuli to respond to training. Reinforcing training with rewards such as food and sweets is the key to training cats to come and know their name .

Steps to train cats on their name

To get started, bring treats that your cat likes (pieces of tuna or fries, for example)
Move to a quiet, distraction-free environment so it’s easier for your cat to concentrate.
Say your cat’s name clearly and in a gentle tone and when she looks at you give her the reward. (You can also take a step back and have your cat step towards you after saying their name.)
Repeat this process several times and soon your cat will associate her name with a positive and cuddly experience.
Follow the same training for 2-3 weeks to make sure your cat learns its name and responds to it constantly.
Additional tips for teaching cats their name
Steps for teaching cats their name and training

Next steps:

Once you have completed the training we have mentioned, you can start changing the location and the distance between you and your cat while calling her name to see if she will continue the behavior we are looking for or not. If your cat has not yet mastered the knowledge of its name, return to preliminary training.

Positivity in dealing with the name

Avoid overusing the names of your cats and use them only in a positive way. If you need to scold your cat, try to say “No” firmly and do not use your cat’s name during the scolding in order not to associate her name with punishment. You should only call your cat’s name for good things like giving treats or petting her when she comes to you. Also, you should not use your cat’s name so casually and so abundantly that it turns into a background noise that means nothing to the cat. Always make sure you have a reason to call your cat by her name.

Use a short and simple name

Even if you choose an interesting long name for your cat, you will need to use a short version of this name when training. Your cat will have a hard time learning how to respond to, for example, “ivanisa”, so it’s best to use “EVA” only during training as a shortened version of the name.

Involve others in training

If you live with family or roommates, ask them to follow the same steps. It’s nice and useful if everyone uses the same name to quickly teach it to the cat.

Related topics

Treat your cat’s thoughts
In order for the training to be super effective and the kittens are taught their name well, you will need to find something that your cat likes. You will also need to make sure that your cat is hungry, as training may be less effective when your cat’s stomach is full. Each cat has different preferences such as cheese, tuna, or some cat treats that you can buy online or at a pet store.

In the end, you can also move away from using food only as a reward, instead you can reward cats with a toy like a feather or play with them with laser light, or just pet them or give them a special cat scratching post if they enjoy it.

My cat does not listen and does not pay attention

Some cats are more stubborn than others, you may find that your cat doesn’t care much until she finds something she likes. Training can sometimes require a little more patience, especially if the cat is not small. It is also possible that your cat is deaf if it seems that she does not respond to any noise or sound. To remove doubt and make sure of this, you can ask the veterinarian to examine her.

So in short, remember to repeat your cat’s name constantly and always provide positive reinforcement with the pronunciation of her name especially in the first times of training. This is the best way to teach cats their name.

Follow these simple tips and over time and without you feeling it, your cat will hear her name and respond to it regularly and thus you will have succeeded in the process of training cats on her name and do not forget that training needs some time, patience and positive attitude to succeed in the task.

Choosing a beautiful name for your cat

As mentioned above, you can choose a longer beautiful name for your cat but in the end you will want to stick to a short version of it for everyday use. Also, it’s a good idea to choose a ready-made name that can be used for years, instead of a name that will become outdated (avoid calling your cat or kitten something currently popular that will wear off over time as, for example, a movie name). Discover in this topic some of the ” most beautiful cat names“