Whether we are talking about a new kitten or even a cat being adopted from the shelter, we sometimes wonder about how long it takes for our felines to learn their name. This is especially true if we are talking about an adopted cat that is learning a brand new name.
In order to learn more about cat behavior and how a cat learns to recognize their name, we reached out to some experts for advice and information. Luckily, we were able to get some interesting insight from Andrea Taskey, the founder of Modpetcare. If you were curious, Modpetcare is all about "providing modern mobile pet care services."
So what exactly did Taskey have to say when it came to answer the questions we had? Not only did she explain how long it takes for a kitten to learn its name, but she also offered some more insight and advice for new cat owners.
What we know about cats and kittens learning a new name
Dog O'Day: How long does it take for a kitten to learn its name?
Andrea Taskey: "Kittens can begin recognizing their name as early as 8-12 weeks old. However, cats are more independent learners, and the process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the individual cat's personality and environment."
DOD: Do cats actually respond to their name?
AT: "Contrary to popular belief, cats can and do learn their names – though they may choose when to acknowledge it! Research shows cats can distinguish their names from other words, but their response is often more subtle than dogs'."
DOD: How hard is it on a cat to have their name changed (like when they are adopted from a shelter)?
AT: "When bringing home a shelter pet, remember that name recognition is about more than just the word – it's about building trust and creating positive associations."
On top of answering our questions regarding cats and kittens learning a new name, Andrea Taskey also had some additional thoughts on helping animals adapt to their names.
According to Taskey, "Through my experience at Modpetcare and years in veterinary practice, I've seen countless pets successfully adapt to new names. The key is always patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Each pet is unique, and what works for one may not work exactly the same for another."
Honestly, everything that she shared with us made perfect sense and we really appreciate how she broke this all down. It also reminds us that it really doesn't matter if you are talking about a puppy, a kitten or even a child, it is all about patience and consistency. Everything in life takes time and a level of respect and care that we should all be mindful of.