How come my cat doesn't come when I call her?

Question

When ever I go to other cat owner's homes their cats come when they are called. When I call Brooklyn she just ignores me. I know she's not deaf since she comes running when she hears me rattle the treat bag!

Answer 1

Do you pay a lot of attention to her at times other than feedings? Stroke and brush her, play with her, buy or make her kitty toys (catnip-filled mice, for example, or balls with bells inside, anything tied to a piece of sturdy string that can be dangled or dragged), tell her what a beautiful cat she is, make funny "cat" noises?
All that kinda stuff has worked over the years with my many cats, although some have been much more affectionate and attentive than others.
Right now I have a brother and sister, both 10 years old and both neutered. She is a homebody and very cuddly; he stays out most of the day and sometimes over night and wriggles when held. But both can be guaranteed to come in a flash at the sound of a can opening.
If your cat isn't spayed, she may be feeling frisky and looking for feline company. I also found that the older they get, the more settled they become (just like a lot of people!).
In any case, you know that as a cat owner, you have chosen for perhaps the most aloof of all pets. We don't own cats; they allow us to be involved in THEIR lives!
She may just be playing "hard to get". Persevere.
Good luck!

Answer 2

I have had cats that ignored me when I called their name but they are the exception not the rule. Usually a cat will come when its name is called because it is happy to see you. Some cats are in their own little world and could care less that you are calling it. She may just be extremely independent. I can honestly tell you that every cat I have had that did not come when called was a female cat. The boy cats all come running when they hear their name called. The little boy cat we have now likes to greet us at the door when we come home. He is very affectionate.

Answer 3

Try this, it's how I trained my cat Emma. I would say "here Emma" and rattle the treat bag, she would come running and I would give her a treat. I did this for a while and then I would just call her and give her a treat when she came. Then finally it got to where I call her and she comes, and now I just reward her obedience by petting her and spending time with her.

Answer 4

I really don't no. But i would say she just has a mind of her own. My cat does the same thing he will come when it is feed time. But other then that if i call his name he just looks at me and goes on. To me it is hard to train a cat to really do anything. They do what they want most of the time.i think maybe she just trained her as soon as she got her, but i am just guessing. Hope i helped you.

Answer 5

Cats are notoriously independant. Don't worry about it. My cat was raised with a dog and now acts like a dog. She walks with us and comes when we call her. I've also had cats that only come to me when I sit down and provide them with a lap to sleep on. They are in there own world. If you want a devoted animal that comes to you, get a dog! :-)

Answer 6

One of the big difference between cats and dogs. Cat's don't do things because you ask them to. They do them because they WANT to. You'll just have to wait until she's in the mood to come see you.

Answer 7

Maybe Brooklyn thinks that her name is actually rattle rattle rattle...treats in a bag.

Answer 8

some cats come when you call some don't

my cat totally ignores me unless she's hungry

I give her plenty of attention and still she ignores me

she'll be 19 in Oct and she's been that way since birth

Answer 9

Cats are cats. They come to you when they want to. Mine sometimes come when I call (if they think there is something in it for them) and sometimes they don't (just talk to the paw, girlfriend. I'm comfortable here.)

Answer 10

Because she is a cat and cats do their own thing :P. If she hears food she will come, because like dogs they like to eat yummy things.