Cat owners often find that cats seem to be less sensitive to their own names than dogs. When the owner calls them, the cat may completely ignore them or react nonchalantly. What is the reason behind this?Is it because cats can't understand human language, or do they simply not care?This article will reveal the possible reasons why cats are unresponsive to names, while also touching on their unique auditory and cognitive abilities.
Cats have a well-developed auditory system, and they are able to pick up sounds that are imperceptible to the human ear. Studies have shown that cats have an audible frequency range between 48 hertz and 85 kilohertz, which is much higher than the human hearing frequency range (20 hertz to 20 kilohertz). This allows the cat to hear higher frequency sounds, such as the subtle movements of mice and birds. This extraordinary hearing is an important survival skill for them as predators.
However, despite cats' keen hearing, they are not as responsive to human speech as they are to environmental sounds. This is not because they can't hear or understand, but more likely because of their nature and prioritization of sound. For cats, human language is not as attentive as sounds in nature. Therefore, even if cats can hear their names, they may not show much interest.
A cat's level of intelligence and ability to learn is key to understanding how they respond to names. While cats' cognitive abilities are often underestimated, research shows that they have considerable intelligence and problem-solving skills. Cats are able to learn through observation and practice and understand simple instructions and signals. However, cats generally do not respond as positively to human language as dogs. This is not because cats are not intelligent, but because they have different socialization processes and motivations.
The extent to which cats understand human language is an interesting topic. While they may not be able to understand a large number of words or instructions as well as dogs, cats do have the ability to recognize and distinguish certain sounds and intonations. For example, cats may react to commonly used salutations or a particular tone of voice. This response is based more on the pitch and rhythm of the sound than on "understanding" in the true sense of the word. Therefore, when cats do not respond to their name, it does not mean that they are not hearing or understanding, but it may be because they are not motivated enough to respond.
The sociality of cats is closely related to the varying degrees to which they respond to names. Unlike dogs, which are gregarious, cats are relatively independent animals. Their social structure does not rely on strong hierarchies or group collaboration, which affects their response to human language and instructions. In the natural environment, cats communicate primarily through posture and smell, rather than sound. Thus, cats' inactive response to human language is partly because sound is not a major player in their natural communication.
In addition, the independence of cats is also a reason for their lack of response to names. Cats generally do not rely on human instructions for their daily activities, which is in contrast to the dependence of dogs. This independence of cats can cause them to respond to their names less quickly or consistently than dogs. However, this does not mean that cats do not recognize their names. In fact, many cats show subtle reactions when they hear familiar sounds or names, such as ear rolls or a slight head turn, which are signs that cats understand and recognize their names.
In recent years, scientists have conducted a series of experiments to determine whether cats can recognize and respond to their own names. One of the most famous studies was conducted by scientists in Japan. They tested multiple domestic cats to see how they reacted to different words, including their names. The results showed that although cats generally do not respond much to most voice stimuli, they do react differently when they hear their own name than they do when they hear other words. Cats show higher alertness when they hear their own name, such as ears and head turning to sound sources, or small movements of the tail or body. This suggests that cats are at least able to distinguish their names from other non-specific speech stimuli.
However, these responses are not always obvious, especially for cats that are more independent or less sensitive to human voice stimuli. This finding supports the idea that cats are able to learn to recognize voice signals that are directly associated with them, such as their names, especially when those names are often associated with positive experiences such as food, petting, or play.
A cat's response to a name is also strongly influenced by its personality. Some cats are naturally curious, exploratory, and responsive to their surroundings, and these cats may be more likely to show a noticeable reaction to their name. Conversely, some cats that are more independent or timid may be less interested in any form of calling.
For example, a cat accustomed to interacting with humans, acting as a "social butterfly" in the home may quickly learn to react to its name, especially if it knows that it usually means petting, play, or food.
This personality difference is also reflected in different breeds. For example, Burmese and Siamese cats are often considered more affectionate breeds and may be more willing to respond to their owners' calls.
Although cats are known for their independent and unavoidable behavior, it doesn't mean that they can't learn to react to names. Training cats to recognize their own names is a process that requires patience and consistency. Here's a specific training program:
Choose a reward: Prepare a small snack or toy that your cat will love as a reward.
Determine the training environment: Choose a quiet and distraction-free environment for training.
Stage 1 - Start of Basic Training:
Make sure the cat is in a relaxed state.
Start at a distance of about a meter from the cat and whisper the cat's name.
As soon as the cat looks at you or reacts in any way, give a reward immediately.
If the cat doesn't respond, don't force or punish and try again later.
Phase 2 - Repetition and Consistency:
Repeat this training several times a day, preferably when the cat is usually active.
Always use the same tone and volume to call the cat's name.
Stage 3 - Gradually increase in difficulty:
When the cat starts to react to the name, you can gradually increase the distance between the cat and the cat.
Repeat this training in different environments and situations to enhance the cat's response to the name.
Stage 4 - Combining Daily Activities:
During daily activities, such as feeding or playing, call the cat by name so that it associates it with a positive experience.
Stage 5 - Gradual Reduction of Rewards:
When the cat begins to respond steadily to the name, the frequency of the reward can be gradually reduced.
Gradually shift to intermittent rewards, such as giving occasional snacks but always giving verbal praise or touching.
Be patient: Remember that every cat learns at a different pace, and don't expect to see results right away.
Avoid overtraining: Each training session should not be too long to avoid boredom or nervousness.
Positive encouragement: Always interact with your cat in a positive, gentle way.
Observe your cat's reactions: Pay attention to your cat's posture and behavior to make sure they are comfortable during training.
With this training program, you can gradually guide your cat to learn to recognize and respond to its own name. It is important to understand that this process takes time and patience, while each cat's reaction and learning speed is unique.
Cats may not respond to names because their social behavior is less human-centered than that of dogs, or because their cognitive abilities make their understanding of human language limited. Still, proper training and methods can improve a cat's response to names. It is important to understand and respect the uniqueness of each cat and to adapt our expectations and training methods to their personality.