Cats

How to make a cat learn its name?

admin • 22 Jun 2023

You've always heard that cats can't be trained. This is a myth. It is natural for the owner to want the cat to come when called. This is useful in a myriad of situations and could save the cat from danger . So, it is essential to teach the cat to live up to its name. Where to start?

When to teach the name to the cat?

You should start this training the day the cat comes home. Young cats, especially before 6 months and during the socialization period, will find it easier to learn. Adult cats will have a slower learning curve, but will succeed after more attempts. It is important that the owner remains patient and does not punish the kitten when it fails.

The importance of naming

The choice of name is something that makes the family enthusiastic and gives rise to great creativity. But it should impose some rules. The name must be short, consisting of one or two syllables, maximum three, which can be pronounced clearly.

It is important that it is distinguishable from other words, easy and quick to say. This allows the cat to more quickly assimilate the name. Strong-sounding names, such as those that include the “i” sound, are thought to be more easily recognized.

When pronouncing the name, you should always try to say it in the same way and with the same emotion. Avoid using name variations or changes that could confuse the cat. Cats from pedigreed families sometimes have long names. In that case, you can choose to always call the cat by a diminutive.

When to use the name of the cat?

You should use the name whenever you are doing something with positive value for the cat. When you give it food, talk to your cat and mention its name. Do the same when petting and playing with him. In short, use it repeatedly for pleasant experiences.

How to organize training sessions to teach the cat its name?

It will be advisable to organize training sessions to teach your cat the name. Plan 15 minutes of your day for this purpose. You should remain calm and relaxed, keeping the training spirit positive. Choose a high value treat such as wet food or liver.

Place yourself in front of the cat. Say the cat's name in a friendly tone and give it a treat. Repeat 10 to 15 times while standing still in front of the cat. When the cat starts to respond to its name, that is, to look at the owner when called by increasing the difficulty.

In this case take a step or two back and keep facing the cat. You must repeat the name and when the cat takes a step or two towards you, give it the treat. You will have to repeat the exercise several times and you can increase the distance and difficulty.

Some owners choose to include the order “come” in this training. You can include it when you make the cat walk towards you calling “' Name’, come”. By repeating these exercises, the cat learns to respond to its name.

When not to use the cat's name

It is important that the owner never use the cat's name associated with something negative. When repressing your cat or wanting to stop it, you should not use its name. It is preferable to use aversive sounds such as clapping hands or a mechanical sound. Using the name, the cat will start to associate you with something negative and will stop coming towards you when called.