Why Many Cats Don't Come When Called-and How to Change That
When many cat owners call their cats' names with affection, the typical response is just a twitch of the ears or a flick of the tail, as if the cat is saying, "Okay, stop calling! I heard you!" Their eyes remain half-closed, and they show no intention of coming over. Understanding this behavior from the perspective of positive reinforcement (reward) and positive punishment (unpleasant stimulus) helps clarify why cats often ignore calls.
From the cat's point of view, the question is: "If I come when you call me, what's in it for me?" And sometimes, "If I come, will I be subjected to something unpleasant, like having my belly touched when I don't want that?" If calling the cat results in no benefit or worse, something the cat dislikes, then it is perfectly reasonable that the cat chooses not to come.
Many people mistakenly believe that "cats just can't be called like dogs," but in reality, most cats can learn to come when called if two key points are addressed:
- Ensure the cat truly benefits from coming: Don't make the cat come over for nothing. This might sound practical, but it's essential. Imagine a friend urgently calls you over, and when you ask why, they say, "Nothing, just wanted to call you." You might feel annoyed too!
- Avoid associating coming with unpleasant experiences: If the cat comes and then experiences something it dislikes, it will be less likely to come next time.
The benefit doesn't always have to be food treats. It could be a natural positive experience in daily life, such as "I'm relaxing on the sofa now, come and step on me," or "The bathroom floor is dry, and I'm opening the door for you to come play." These are natural positive reinforcements that encourage the cat to respond.
If you do need to do something the cat dislikes, such as grooming or administering medication, it's better to go to the cat rather than calling the cat to you. Using low-stress methods and gradual desensitization training can help avoid damaging the relationship and make these necessary interactions easier.
Besides increasing the cat's motivation to come and avoiding negative associations, the overall relationship between the human and cat plays a crucial role. Cats are more willing to respond if the bond is strong. Also, the cat's health and energy levels matter; for example, older cats with less stamina may find it harder to get up and come over.
Training cats to come when called (recall) can be done using methods such as clicker training, treats, or special sounds. Most cats can learn to associate their name or a specific cue with a positive reward, though reliability varies by individual and environment. Consistent, short, positive training sessions help build this behavior over time.
In summary, if you want your cat to come when you call:
- Make sure coming to you is rewarding and enjoyable.
- Never call your cat only to do something unpleasant.
- Strengthen your bond with your cat through positive interactions.
- Use consistent cues and rewards in training sessions.
- Be patient and observe how your cat responds, adjusting your approach accordingly.
With these adjustments, your cat is more likely to happily walk toward you when called.
