2 Big Reasons Why You Should Teach Your Cat His Name

The other day I wrote about how you can teach your cat his name, and some of you responded (thanks by the way!) that your cats very much do respond to their names. In fact, some of you haven’t changed your cats’ names (as much as you’d like to) simply because your cats do respond well to their given names.

Photo courtesy Takashi(aes256).

But what if you’re not sold yet? Why should someone even bother teaching a cat his name?

I’ll admit, cats are definitely more independent, and teaching a cat his name may not be as important or make as much of an impact as teaching a dog his name, for example. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.

In my opinion, teaching a cat his name can help two practical scenarios: When you want your cat, and you want to form a bond with your cat.

When you want something from your cat: This is the obvious reason to teach your cat his name. You can list a host of reasons here: It’s dinner time. You’re leaving the house and want a pet headcount. You want your cat to come to where you are. You want to get your pet’s attention to get them to do something (stop clawing at the couch, for example), etc. This is probably the most practical reason, and you know what? Teaching your cat his name can help in all of these scenarios.

You want to form a bond with your cat: This is the less obvious reason, perhaps, but just as important. It’s one thing to give your cat a name, it’s another to teach it to him. By teaching your cat his name, you’re letting him know that he has a specific identity. One special word is reserved solely for him, and when you say that word, good things may result.

Photo courtesy Drift Words

Even if your cat may not realize it’s his name specifically, he’ll know that the word is his cue. And that’s huge. Who doesn’t want a pet to feel special? By making your pet feel special with his unique identity, you’re teaching him that he matters to you. And when this is the case, he’ll be more likely to respond when you want something from him.

So if you’re on the fence as to teach your cat his name, give it a shot. You certainly don’t have anything to lose, but a great deal to gain!

Has teaching your pet his name ever come in handy for you? Please share your story in the comments!