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Research has shown that cats know their own name and can distinguish it from similar-sounding nouns and even the names of other cats in the household. This means your cat certainly understands you when you call them—they are simply choosing not to respond.
So why is your feline friend being such a sourpuss? We’ll never know for sure what’s going on in their mysterious mind, but two major theories stand out.
Cats aren’t obligate social animals the way dogs are, meaning that they don’t need social contact as much as dogs do. Much like people who are introverts, cats thrive on socializing occasionally—on their own terms and with their favorite people—but they also enjoy alone time too. So your cat may be ignoring you simply because they are not in the mood for interaction.
Another theory points to the difference in how dogs and cats became human companions. While dogs were domesticated and specially bred over thousands of years to be loyal and obedient companions, cats more or less domesticated themselves, moving into cities and hunting mice and rats around grain stores by their own choice. Consequently, your cat doesn’t have a strong drive to listen and obey, and may ignore you if they’d rather be doing something else.
But just because cats are more independent and less eager to please than dogs, it doesn’t mean they can’t be trained. With patience, persistence and lots of positive reinforcement, your cat can learn many tricks—even “come”!
Check out our AskVCA training videos for tips on how to train your cat. >>
*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.
VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.
**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.
Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.
Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.
