Do you always wonder if your cat ever learned their name whenever you are calling out to them? How did your cat respond? Was it by swishing their tail side to side with their backs towards you or did your cat just stare blankly at you?
The secret is out. A study conducted on 78 cats reveals that cats do know their names when their owners call out to them. However, how your cat responds when being called is another matter altogether.
Why does your cat ignore you when you call them
Well, unlike dogs who respond actively when being called upon, cats are totally the opposite. They are not hardwired like dogs are to be at our beck and call. Cats are very busy creatures whose attention is more focused to relaxing in the warm beam of the sun or trilling at the squirrel outside the garden or surveying their territory from their high places.
It is not like your cats hate you but in the cat world, these are activities that are more interesting to them rather then answering to you, calling out to them.
How to get your cat to respond to their name
You can train your cat by associating treats or playing with them, whenever you start calling by their name. This will let your cat know that when they hear you calling them, it sends a signal to them that it is playing time or feeding time.
In time, your cat will quickly learn that their name is associated with an activity that is fun or interesting to them.
Conclusion
Cats are unique, intelligent creatures. They live and play on their own terms but at the same time they need us as much as we need them. While cats can be trained just like dogs, they don’t show it. Respect them and treat them with love. You will find a fulfilling life with your fur babies.
To find out more about cat behavior, visit this website.