Cats are smart as a whip, and there’s no doubting that. Their memories are far from simple, their minds are extraordinarily complex, and they show us daily how much they know about the world around them. Your cat speaks meow to you because this form of communication has been effective for centuries in getting them exactly what they want—usually food.
More often than not, cats will be cats. And this endearing quality is something that cat lovers can’t help but love. With that being said, many have wondered if cats know their names. And not only if they know their names but also how to respond to the sound of their name being called by a human. The answer isn’t simple and further proves how our cat’s mind is something to admire.
There is a specific tone of voice that cats gravitate to
For years, many cat keepers have relied on the trusted trick of attracting a cat using the pspsps sound. Cats seem drawn to this sound for one reason or another, but this is not the only proven method for attracting your cat. An interesting fact about the pspsps sound: it’s been suggested that cats are naturally drawn to this sound because it mimics the sounds and movements that their preferred prey makes.
Think about the way your voice sounds when you talk to your cat. While it might sometimes be babyish for certain people, it is almost always kind, sweet, and filled with love. And guess what? Your cat senses this and remembers it! Cats are drawn to soft and sweet voices, which is also one of the reasons that cats have been said to be more attracted to females. So, maybe there is some truth behind the crazy cat lady theory—our feline friends have quite the influence!
Names are associated with positivity.
Cats will do as they please, but positive reinforcement can go a long way with felines. Your cat’s memory is sharp; if they associate positive rewards with their name being said/called, they won’t forget it. Think about the times that you say your cat’s name. These times are likely associated with food, treats, and attention, especially when you come home from being out. These are all positive things in your cat’s mind; they quickly recognize the familiar word you keep repeating when these instances occur.
Sometimes, your cat is selectively ignoring you.
Cats can indeed give us the cold shoulder at times. It’s hard not to take it personally, but since cats do things with purpose, there’s a valid reason for their actions. Sometimes, you might come home from being out and call your cat’s name as you enter, only for them to ignore you. This can also happen when your cat looks oh-so-precious, and you want to praise them for their effortless beauty—and likely snap a photo of their perfection. Whatever the case, remember that your cat is independent and sometimes doesn’t need to give in to your name calls. Your cat choosing to ignore the sound of their name being called can be because they have their own moods, needs, and behaviors that don’t always align with their human’s.
What’s in a name? There are too many nicknames sometimes!
When our cats come into our lives, we either gift them a brand new name, stick with the one they were given, or create a new name entirely that separates them from their past. Cats are fast learners. So, even if you change your cat’s name, they will quickly learn and respond to it. As mentioned above, this correlates with the positive interactions that come with it. As our worlds intertwine quickly, your cat inherits all sorts of nicknames. With time, your cat will also learn to respond to those nicknames! That said, the more you use the cutesy nicknames you’ve bestowed upon them, the actual name you’ve assigned to them might become a distant memory. Do you want to play a fun game with your cat to prove they know their many names? Try reciting other names mixed in with their name/names, and watch how they react! Your cat’s wit might even impress you!