they named her Matilda, although, we aren't totally sure we want to change it or not.
2007-07-07 21:37:17 · 12 answers · asked by ? 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
I have 4 cats currently, and they all know their individual names, even the two kittens (still working on getting one to respond everytime), and they ALL come when called. When I feed them, I have to call them individually to come over and get food, but sometimes I just yell "KITTIES!!!" and they ALL come! I yell "PENNY!" and just the mom comes, yell "BB" and just the dad comes. It doesn't matter who says it or in what tone of voice, they will all respond to their names, but may not come when it's a stranger calling.
My point is, Matilda might still think you are a stranger for a little while longer, so it's important to establish that bond as well so she can trust what you are telling her. I would use her new name as often as possible while petting her, while giving her food by hand, petting her and calling her name while she is eating, and saying her name while playing - all the while saying it in a sweet delicate tone during positive activities. She will begin to associate good feelings with hearing the name but the petting helps her to establish that the name is HER'S, not just a phrase associated with food or play. Then try to call her from a few feet away, it may only get her attention at first. Eventually she will start coming to you, especially if you consistently give her a good reason to come over, like a treat! Then try it from across the room, then from the other room, and alternate between the 3.
Pick something that seems to be a quirk of her's or something that comes to you while watching her or playing with her.
Good luck! It's totally possible, but Matilda is a great name!
2007-07-07 22:30:22 · answer #1 · answered by Tammy Z 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Matilda is a beautiful name, I wouldn't change it, since the cat already knows it. Cats are clever, she will probably learn a new name, but if she has associated the old one with herself, I wouldn't put her through such a big change. She is in a new environment, at least let her know it is still her!
By the way, cats do know their names! My cat turns his ears towards us when we say his name, even if we talk very seriously, with no tone of voice showing that we speak about him. The new kitten too has learned her name, and she comes when we call her. She doesn't come when we call the other cat, and vice versa. The both come when we say "You'll be fed"!.
2007-07-08 04:48:20 · answer #2 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All cats are different. Most of them are very smart. It might take a couple days, it might take a week or a month.
Whatever you name the cat, just be sure that you treat her very well and be very loving, especially when you are talking to her and keep saying her new name. She will begin to associate the new name with positive results.
Todd is very wrong. I have three cats. They all know their names. One of them even answers me when I call him by his name. They may not necessarily come when you call them (like a dog would) but they know their names.
2007-07-08 04:47:41 · answer #3 · answered by T S 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
She will catch on in a week or so. She likely doesn't really know the name Matilda yet, unless it was her original name.
2007-07-08 05:14:54 · answer #4 · answered by Chetco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can change her name to whatever you like. To do it, use the same methods as you do when training a dog to sit on command. call her by her new name & when she responds and/or comes to you, give her a kitty treat of some sort.....maybe a small chunk of chicken breast? i know my cats love this as a treat!
2007-07-08 05:25:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It might take a very long time, it would be much easier to keep her original name if you can. But you could give her a cute nickname if you really don't like her real name. =)
2007-07-08 04:47:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It wont take long just use its new name as much as you can is the first couple of weeks
2007-07-08 04:49:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never knew cats come to their names. Thats kind of liek training it. Depends how much time ur willing to say its name and if it responds praise and treat it
2007-07-08 04:47:23 · answer #8 · answered by Soupy 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Todd is right, cats have no concept of names. They are attracted by tone of voice and behavioural signals, just as most other animals are. If you call her the same way with the new name, she will come if that's what she did before.
2007-07-08 04:46:23 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
it wont take long for her to get used to her new name if you change it just keep calling her by her new name and she will get used to it.
2007-07-08 10:28:04 · answer #10 · answered by marianne l 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋