How to train a cat to a nickname

In the end, you can also give up using just food and instead offer some play with a toy, such as a feather or laser pointer, or just petting/scratching if the cat likes it.

How do you teach a cat to respond to her name? ONE easy way!

You just picked the perfect name for your kitty and can't wait to start using it. There's just one problem: the cat doesn't know it yet. Follow this simple guide to learn how to teach your cat her name!

Yes, they do understand when you use their name (if they are properly trained). Whether they choose to listen to you is another question entirely!

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo tested word recognition skills among 78 cats using similar words, including their own names. It has been found that they do respond to their names, even when used by a stranger. This may not mean that they understand exactly the concept of the name, perhaps they associate these sounds with something positive, and therefore fit.

Using positive reinforcement

Unlike dogs, which are pack animals and want to please the Alpha, cats need extra motivation to respond to training. Positive reinforcement with food and treats is the key to cementing a cat's name.

1. Start by preparing treats that the cat likes.
2. Start in a familiar room with the cat, without distractions, so that your cat can concentrate more easily.
3. Clearly say the cat's name in a calm and happy tone and, when he looks at you, hand him a treat. You can also step back and make her come to you after you say her name.
4. Repeat this process several times and soon your cat will associate his name with a positive experience.
5. Do this exercise for 2-3 weeks so that your cat learns to constantly respond to his name.

How to get your kitty accustomed to a name

You've got an affectionate little furry lump, and you're ready to spend hours watching its shenanigans. Of course, it's so much fun! But sometimes it happens that the kitten needs to be called, for example, to clip his claws. How do you get him used to his his name and respond to it?

It is not hard to do. Cats themselves creatures are very smart, so they catch everything on the fly. And we just need to have patience and help him a little.

When naming the kitten, try to choose a name that has hissing and whistling sounds, such as Pushok, Marsik, Tisha, etc. Try to make sure that the name fits your pet's breed as well. Exotic cats – sphinxes – are very suitable for the names of Egyptian deities. And fluffy Persian cats can have aristocratic, even royal names (Ludovic, Boniface). Of all these names, you can think of diminutive pet names for ease of handling and easier perception of your pets.

You should get your kitten used to the name as soon as you bring her into the house. When calling him to eat or drink milk, say "kitty, kitty, kitty" and the pet's name. Start by doing this when you are within sight of fluffy. Then he will correlate tasty treats and his name, and very quickly he will get used to it.

You can also do this while playing. Tie a bow on a string, run away from the kitten, while saying its name. Let yourself be caught up. Praise the kitten if he ran after you, and scratch his ear.

Unwanted kitty behavior

Most of the time a cat does not behave the way its owner would like it to behave, not out of spite. Often the kitten is just trying to fill her needs or satisfy her curiosity.

• If the kitten is chewing on wires, baseboards or flowers, she wants to sharpen her teeth and replenish her vitamins. Distract him with a smelly toy;
• If the kitten is rummaging through the trash, he is looking for food. Don't leave leftovers in the litter box;
• If the kitten walks around tables and looks in cabinets, he is curious. Make such an action associated with something unpleasant: a sound or a smell;
• If the kitten goes to the toilet in a wrong place – the baby does not like its litter box, it does not know how to use it, or it does not know where it is;
• Kitten sharpening her nails on the furniture – she does not know how to use the scratching post. Teach him this wisdom.

To a kitten the whole world is you and the house he lives in. He won't know how to behave properly if he's never been told about it.

Make it more difficult

After a week of training, it's time to increase the level of difficulty. Call the kitten from a distant place: first from the other end of the room, then from another room.

If the cat lives in a private house, try calling the kitten from the street. Do not do this if the kitten has never left the house before.

When the cat unmistakably comes running to a name, stop saying "kitty-kitty" and using gestures. Over time, remove the treats. After about a month the kitten will follow the command without additional stimuli.

What not to do when training

Don't beat or scold your kitten if she will not obey you: This will confuse and frighten her. Don't even say its name in an exasperated voice. If you want to discuss your kitten's misdeeds with your loved ones, don't say its name.

Don't rule out a treat until the cat runs up to the call without making a mistake. This will confuse the pet.

Call the cat the same way and don't change the name. This way the kitten will more quickly understand what you want from him.

If the kitten does not respond

Sometimes pets don't want to come to you when you call. This could be due to stubbornness or poor learning ability, in which case it will simply take more time.

If the kitten does not respond to his name or other ways to call him, see your veterinarian. It is possible that the baby suffers from deafness. White cats are more likely to have hearing problems.

How to domesticate a kitten

A person who decides to get a cat or cat should understand that these animals are independent and self-sufficient. If you want a faithful friend who will unconditionally recognize you as a leader and will never leave you in trouble – it is better to get a puppy. To tame a kitten – not an easy task. Be prepared for the fact that even a kitten that grew up "in your arms", will still show a fair amount of independence. However, if you spend some time and patience, you can eventually socialize even a feral kitten – but the nature of the cat remains independent forever.

1. So, you have picked up or bought a little kitten. How do you begin to accustom the cat to its new home and its new routine? Small kittens become accustomed to new surroundings rather quickly, which is why it is recommended to take kittens at the age of 9-10 weeks. Older kittens will take longer to adjust to the new environment, and they may be more sensitive to the change. Kittens who are new to the house must be sensitive to change of surroundings: small kittens may meow or cry if removed from their mother. Try to spend time with the kitten, pick him up more often. If the kitten is frightened of you, try to communicate with it while feeding, for example, giving it food from your hands.
2. Sometimes kittens, brought into a new home, try to hide in a secluded corner – for example, crammed under the bed, central heating radiators, sofa. To lure them out of there is sometimes very difficult. If the kitten does not want to get out of its "hole", try to lure it out with food – for example, spread sour cream on your finger (at least you can try plain yogurt without additives). If the kitten agrees to take food from your hand, try petting it gently while it eats. This way the cat will gradually get used to your hands, and in the future will not be afraid of contact with you.
3. To tame the kitten, play with him, for example using old favorite cat toys like balls, mice or fishing rods. If you play with the kitten with a fishing rod, you should drop the "bait" on your lap: the kitten will get used to the idea that it is safe to jump on your hands.

How to choose a name

First of all, you need to decide on a name for the kitten. When choosing a name, you must, first of all, rely on your own taste. You should not call your pet a foreign name, even if it seems interesting and stylish. The main thing that the pronunciation of the name did not cut your ears.

Many zoologists, when choosing a name, recommend using hissing and whistling letters, for example: s, sh, h, ssh. The name should not be too long, no more than two syllables, so that the cat will get used to it easier. If the thoroughbred cat's name is long and complex, you need to think about how it will sound in short, whether you like it. Although all of these rules are not fundamental, the main thing that the kitten and the owner's name was to your liking.

Ways to help a kitten get used to his name

There are several effective ways to help a kitten adapt to a nickname. All are based on Pavlov's theory of reflexes, the change from reflex to conditioned reflex. In our case, the conditioned reflex is the kitten's ability to respond to the name offered to him. As a reward for the desired result, he gets a tidbit. This is where the unconditioned food reflex works:

• The most common and effective method is to combine the process of remembering and feeding at the same time. The cat must have its food ready beforehand, so that instead of reacting to its call it won't get the other reaction: It will run into the kitchen not when you say its name, but when the bag rustles or the refrigerator opens. As soon as the owner has prepared the food, he should call by name to the kitten's bowl. This can be done by rubbing the thumb and forefinger movements occurring over the animal's bowl. During this process, you should alternate between kitty-kitty and the name you are trying to get the baby accustomed to. While eating, the kitten can be stroked while saying its name. For example, kitty-kitty, Fluffy. Gradually kitty-kitty must disappear from the household and only Pushok will remain. Everyone living in the house should call the baby by the same name, otherwise it will simply get confused.
• As soon as the first results become visible and the kitty understands what is required of it, you should try to reinforce this result by the carrot method. As a rule, encouragement can accelerate any process of training. The role of encouragement is usually a favorite treat of the animal, for example, a piece of meat, sausage or cheese. Consolidation of the result is based on the desire to get this yummy treat. In order to accustom the kitten to the nickname as soon as possible, you can carry a treat in your pockets all the time, then the process of training can be done at a convenient time for the cat and the owner. The main point is the appropriate mood. At the beginning of training the baby should be called to you with the fingers, while calling him by name. As soon as he pays attention and comes up, you should give him a treat and pet him, while continuing to call him by his name. Over time, the animal will run up to its owner when the owner says its name.
• To accustom the animal to its name, you can use the play or petting method in combination with the above mentioned methods. Every time the owner plays or caresses the animal, he should affectionately say its name. You can play with the baby using a paper bow and a string, whenever the pet catches up with the bow, it is necessary to affectionately call its name. At the same time, you should pay attention to the tone with which the owner calls the baby. The name should be said in an affectionate, calm, languid voice. It is important that the movements, intonation and endearment evoke positive emotions. The process of accustoming the kitten to the name should be associated with positive emotions for the baby.
• As soon as the pet begins to respond to the name, you can try to start training. You should go to another room in the apartment, because it is important that the pet does not see you, and call him from there, when the cat runs up, you need to give him a well-deserved reward. You can involve the neighbors in this process, let them each call him from different rooms, and when the kid runs up to someone, you should not forget about the dainty you prepared beforehand.

Call and play (stroke)

Kittens are like children. They also love games and petting. So why not use that in training? Choose a time when the kitty is fed and sleepy. Usually during this period the kitten's jet engine wakes up inside and grows wings.

Start playing with the pet, at the same time saying its name. Do not forget about the correct intonation. After a while the cat's child will form an association: name – game, and will come to you with pleasure to amuse himself. Of course, with age the games will be forgotten, but the name will remain.

The same principle can be used if the owner has noticed the kitten's special fondness for petting. The next time the baby comes to you fondle, be sure to say his name several times. Again there will be associative series: nickname – weasel. And soon budgie bud with pleasure to respond to your call. Just do not forget to frequently pet the kitten. Otherwise, what to expect from you and why come to you?

Tip. Do not scold the kitten, if he does not want to recognize his name and refuses to run to you from all feet. Some pets understand what they want after a week. And others do not really respond even months later. And it's not even a question of different levels of intelligence. In all likelihood, your stubborn kitten is too independent and free-spirited. Surely he's memorized his name. He's just a cat that walks by himself. Leave him alone with your activities. He is still the most beautiful and beloved.

Is it possible to train an adult animal to a name?

The methods of training are the same as for teaching kittens, but the process may take much longer. The thing is that the adult animal's psyche has already been established, and it is not used to submitting to the will of others – he lives well without the name. Therefore, in the case of self-sufficient cats and cats have to gain more patience, and if something does not work, and do not trouble the nerves or themselves, or the pet. You can always make do with "kitty-kitty", that's the call all cats respond to.

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How to call a cat

wikiHow operates on a wiki basis, which means that many of our articles are written by multiple authors. Forty-five people(s) worked on editing and improving this article, including anonymously.

All cats are different, and it's not always easy to know how to make your cat respond to your call. But there are several ways you can try. Here they are.

Call your cat by his or her name. If your cat or cat knows his or her name well enough, that will be enough to get him or her interested. Always start as early as possible to train your pet to come to you. Kittens are likely to be quicker to learn than adult cats. But even a beloved cat can be made to overcome restraint at an older age with treats and praise.

Pet your cat while she is lying on the ground or on the floor. Try to point out the place where you would like your cat to come. It may also help to crouch in the designated spot by patting your hand – so that your pet wants to come to you because of your presence in that spot, not because of the noise of the patting. Some sort of sound must be created to get the cat's attention. If the cat notices, keep it that way; if not, try something else.

Use special individual sounds that will attract your cat. You will need to try different clicks, whistles, huffs, fake meows, etc. that will attract your pet. Subsequently, use these sounds only to call out to your cat!

A cat doesn't always respond to a nickname

If the name fits your cat by all parameters, and he even responds to it periodically, but the mechanism is still not fine-tuned, you need to look for the cause in something else.

The kitty may be passionate about something. She may be playing, eating, sleeping, or just feeling lost, but she cannot be bothered with you. Therefore, and to his name she will not respond. Especially if her mindset is not formed a pattern of "man calls me – then I'll get something from him. If the cat knows that nothing will follow the response, why would she leave her important cat business for some empty sounds?

There is no motivation. This is exactly what was mentioned above. In order for kitty to always come running at the call, she needs to be encouraged. This can be treats or just praise, in which case the pet will be more than happy to respond to his name.

The cat is offended. If you have upset your pet in any way – yelled at, hit or simply ignored for a long time, it is natural that the cat will be reluctant to interact with you. You'll have to earn your tail's forgiveness before she'll respond to your call again.

The cat is being called by a stranger. Kitties are great at remembering the voices of their owners. If the pet's name comes from another person's mouth, the cat may simply not respond to the unfamiliar voice.

The pet has a hearing problem. If you notice that your pet doesn't respond to even the most common "kitty, kitty" or other sounds, it's worth showing your kitty to the vet.

How do you teach a cat to respond?

From the above we have formed some tips so that you can teach the cat to respond to his name:

1. Choose the right nickname. Short, simple, hissing sounds will be an advantage.
2. Form two ways of addressing your pet – affectionate and serious. This way your cat will always know which name to praise and which to scold.
3. Do not use too many forms of the same name. This will confuse the cat. Two or three is enough.
4. Always call your cat by the same name. If her name is Marusya, she should always remain Marusya, no need to call her "kitty", "kitty", "cat", "kote", etc. Otherwise, she will never understand what her name is after all.
5. Reinforce your desired response to the name with a treat or praise. If the animal responds to the call, give him a treat or caress, so the kitten will understand that for such behavior he will be able to receive pleasures.