Cats are notorious for being stubborn, but even the most stubborn cat can be trained. Cats can be trained to recognize their name by studying their motivations and behavior, then doing some simple training techniques. Once the cat knows his name, he will come to you when called.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparation Stage
Step 1. Choose a name that is easy for the cat to recognize
Cats tend to know names that are short and sound fun. If your cat's name is “Princess FluffyBottom McPhee,” just use “Fluffy” for practice. If your cat's name is "Sir William the Vicious of Belvedere" and you can't shorten it, just use "pussy" for practice.
- Don't change the cat's name once he's used to it. The cat will be confused.
- Cats will also be confused by the new name. The key is consistency.
Step 2. Start the exercise as early as possible
Practice can be started even when the cat is still a child. In fact, young cats tend to learn their names more easily. However, older cats can still be trained, although it will take longer.
Step 3. Choose a reward that the cat likes
Remember, verbal compliments will go unnoticed by the cat. Instead, use rewards that the cat can enjoy right away. Foods like tuna or cheese, spoonfuls of wet food and canned cat treats. When there's no food, cats also like to play with the laser pointer or affectionate scratching behind the ear.
- Experiment to see what reward your cat likes best.
- Provide a number of cat treats to prepare for the training process.
Step 4. Learn what motivates cats
Dogs are easy to train because they are animals that “want” to please humans, and are satisfied with simply “smart dog!” praise. On the other hand, cats are more interested in what you will do for them. Cats tend to respond to rewards and are willing to learn tricks if you are patient and give them something they want.
Part 2 of 2: Teaching Cats Names
Step 1. Connect the cat's name with positive things
Use the cat's name only when calling or talking to him gently. Do not use names when scolding or punishing a cat. It's enough to just say "no" when banning cats.
Step 2. Train the cat actively
The best way to get your cat to exercise is to eat less so that the cat is hungry and eager to find food. Approach the cat and say its name, then reward it with a treat. Do it two to three times. Then, two or three steps away from the cat, repeat the process adding the word "here" after the cat's name (for example, "Charlie, here" or "Pochi, over here." Remember, you have to be consistent.) When the cat approaches, pet it. him and give him a snack. Then, walk away again and repeat the process.
- The cat must associate its name with a good reward. That is, after the name, it is stated that the cat will receive a reward.
- Keep repeating this exercise, calling the cat's name 10 to 20 times per session, once or twice per day until the cat automatically responds to its name.
Step 3. Extend the exercise distance
After a week of practice, start trying to call the cat remotely. Call the cat starting from another room. Keep going until you call the cat from all the rooms in the house. Once the cat is good enough to respond to your calls indoors, continue to practice outdoors.
Step 4. Involve the residents of your home
Invite a family member to help your cat train. Make sure they use the same phrase to call the cat. Later, the cat will be able to be trained back and forth between two people who take turns calling the cat and giving treats.
Step 5. Get help if the cat doesn't respond to its name
Cats may have hearing loss if they don't respond to their name. White cats are usually prone to deafness. The vet will examine the condition of your cat's ears to be sure.
