Do cats know their name?

Usually, the owners choose a name for their pet for a long time, and then call her with the universal “kit-kit”. Does a cat recognize its name among other sounds and can it be taught to respond to its nickname?

Do cats know their name?

It’s no secret that cats are very intelligent creatures. They are well aware of their surroundings and will certainly let you know if something is not to their liking. They will do this through non-verbal cues, such as knocking over a cup of coffee on a laptop, or with the help of a cat’s tongue, meowing at the bedside at three in the morning. But do cats recognize their name when their owners call them?

According to a study conducted at Sophia University in Tokyo (Japan), cats distinguish their names from other words. And according to a study published in Scientific Reports, they do react differently to their name than they do to other words with similar-sounding vowels, consonants, and syllable lengths. 

But according to the conclusions made by scientists, it is impossible to accurately determine whether cats understand that a given word is used to identify them.

Dr. Jennifer Vonk, a professor of animal cognition, told National Public Radio that she agreed with the study authors. It is impossible to conclude whether cats associate their name with their personality. But what’s certain is that the cat recognizes its name as “a special signal that it probably associates with rewards such as food and petting.”

How to choose a cat name

Choosing a name for a cat is an exciting process that gives its owners a great opportunity to get creative.

The names of characters dear to the heart from books, films and TV shows, or favorite musicians and actors will do.

The Tails Humane Society of DeKalb, Illinois, which once faced the challenge of naming a litter of kittens, named each kitten after a famous classical composer.

Inspiration can be found everywhere!

If you have an adult pet in the house, explains Petful, or a cat that used to live in stressful environments, “it’s better to use her old name, as this will give her the stability she needs and help her adapt to the new place.” It is important to keep a close eye on any changes.

How to teach a cat to respond to his name

Teaching a cat to respond to its name, as with any other behavioral process, is most effective when done slowly and consistently. Pets tend to respond to their name when a treat is waiting for them. Therefore, it is better to always keep food on hand.

A cat may respond to its name by meowing, but most likely, you should wait for non-verbal signals. In order to determine the reaction of a cat, you need to pay close attention to its body language – tail waving, alert ears, etc.

According to Scientific Reports research, a cat can react to its nickname when it hears it not only from the owner, but also from other people. In this case, you need to make sure that family members and guests also interact with her. The more often a cat hears its name, the more likely it is that it will respond to it.

A little training – and a furry friend will happily run up to the call!