this post was submitted on 15 May 2024
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I once read that cats fully understand that we want their attention when we call them. They just choose to ignore it.
I can independently confirm. My cats definitely know their names, and their ears will perk up when called. But most of the time they can't be bothered to turn their heads towards the sound, there's no chance they'll get up to engage unless they hear a treat bag crinkle with it lol
Cats, like demons, have many names only one of which is their true name to which they obbey without question.
Curiously cat's true names usually sound a lot like a treat bag cringle or the sound of a cat food can being opened.
The Naming of Cats
Here's the study on that, it was specifically the name calling that was studied. Where they concluded that the cats brain reacted to their name, but actively decided to ignore it. Always stuck with me as well!
My cats don't ignore it, and will come running when they hear their name.
Same with my cats I guess I've always been really lucky with cats but my cats only ever mew to get in or out the door and come when I call them I've also found that doing a silent snap for some reason also works as a way to get their attention and get them to come to me idk why but I suspect I might be making some sound that only they can hear since this trick works when it's dark out or in a different room they always know im trying to get their attention no matter where I am
I've heard cats have low-light vision, which might explain at least a little bit of it.
I've never bothered to fact-check if it's actually true though, so take that with a grain of salt.
Cats are reasonably smart and can be trained. Cats are also quite strong-willed and so are difficult to train. Our cats know they aren't allowed on the table, so they don't go on the table (when we're around). We've also taught them some calls to stop fighting and to come. They're moderately effective.
The big trick is to start young, start with things they're interested in, and always follow through. If you tell your cat to get off the table and you don't make sure they do, they decide you're asking them to get off the table and they might choose not to.
Also, cats like treats and food. Not many things catch their interest more, certainly not trifles like their own name.
When my cat is laid down, and I call him, his ear move on my direction for a second and them come back. Consecutive calls don't even gain an ear movement.