The cat is an animal more independent that the dog, to the point that many times, when it is called, it ignores us, and that is when we have to offer it some food that it loves or its favorite toy in order for it to approach us to be able to pet it. And yet sometimes we don't get it.
Don't you recognize our voice? Have we done what has bothered you? If you want to know why does my cat ignore meIn this article we will try to give you the answer. You can also consult how to treat your cat to understand their behavior.
It does recognize the human voice, but it does what it wants
That's the good news and the bad news. According to a study published in the journal Animal Cognition, and reported in The Independent, the cat does recognize the voice of the human who calls it, but does not always go to it. Why is a mystery. The study authors say that it is because they have been domesticated for a short time, about 9500 years, compared to 15000 that the dog has. But it may also be because that is simply his character.
The cat is a feline usually solitary, not living in social groups unless their life depends on it, as occurs in cities and towns, where they form feline colonies composed of several feline members. The dog, on the other hand, lives with his family always, so he has become more dependent. This difference explains his and motivation: The dog seeks constant cooperation; the cat cooperates when it is rewarded and feels comfortable.
Why doesn't my cat listen to me? Common causes
- Personality and experiences: There are cats that are more active, shy, or very affectionate. A history of fears or traumas reduces its response.
- Stress and unmet needs: unsuitable litter box, little stimulation, changes at home, visitors or noises can block you.
- Invasive human communication: fixed gazes, going straight ahead, corral or leave no escape route. Position yourself sideways or diagonally and respect a safety distance.
- Previous learning: if you receive something unpleasant when you go (bath, medication), will stop coming.
A useful feline language trick is avoid blocking doors, allow outings and, if he shows fear, place you on his side. You can even lie down or turn your back for a few seconds to reduce his arousal and approach on your own initiative.
What should I do to get my cat to listen? – Basic techniques
- Positive reinforcement: associates your name and the call with high-value prizes and short games. Always reinforce when he looks at you, approaches you, or responds.
- Clear signs: soft voice, bend down sideways, low and relaxed handAvoid scolding and persecution.
- Short and constant sessions: 1–2 minutes, several times a day. The constancy wins over intensity.
- Never punish: Punishments and aversive techniques worsen fear and bonding; they turn the problem into Stress.
A useful feline language trick is to avoid blocking doors, allow exits, and, if he shows fear, position yourself on his side. You can even lie down or turn your back for a few seconds to reduce his arousal and approach on your own initiative.
My cat doesn't obey me and scratches the furniture.
Scratching is normal. Offers sturdy scratching posts (vertical and horizontal) near sofas and passage areas, use pheromones and catnip to attract and play fetch just before redirecting the scratcher. Temporarily cover sensitive furniture and reward when he scratches beyond what is allowed. Don't fight or spray water, only redirects and reinforces.
My cat ignores me, bites me and scratches me.
Usually overstimulation or redirected play. Stop the interaction at the first sign (tail tense, ears back, skin on back vibrating) and offer a wand-type toy. Regarding physical contact, belly requires a lot of trust; the basis of the tail is extremely sensitive; and the pins They tend to be uncomfortable. The safest areas are temple, cheeks, chin and neckApproach from the side or behind, not from the front.
My cat doesn't listen to me when I call him.
- Name + prize: Say their name only once and reinforce any orientation towards you.
- Gradual increase: gradually increase the distance, in hallways and then in large rooms.
- Generalize: Practice at varied times, without overusing the call for annoying things.
Avoid calling for medication or nail cutting; if you must, don't use his name on that occasion. Always end on a positive note.
Know his needs and you will know how to educate him
- Environment: verticality, hiding places, scratching surfaces and safe windows. Play daily with structured hunting and ends with food.
- Resources: at least one litter box per cat + 1, distributed water, separate food bowls, quiet resting areas.
- Respect: Never suppress their behavior with punishment or anxiolytics without veterinary judgment. If there are "problems," treat them as symptoms of stress and seeks its cause.
- Feline language: looks with slow blinking, avoids invading, offers Escape route and consistency: if you give signs of calm, don't rush in afterwards.
Consistency, the key to getting a cat to listen
The cat's cooperation is built with kind repetition, small goals and realistic expectations. Measure progress in weeks, not days. If it frustrates you, rest and come back at another time; patience maintains the bond.
Proof of this is the purr that is heard when it relaxes and we caress it, when he gets on our lap when we are working with the computer so that we focus our attention on him and not on the monitor, the gifts that it brings us If we let it go outside
So even though it is the way it is, he also has emotional needsThe only thing he will decide is when he wants to be caressed and when he doesn't.
Other signs of feline affection are: kneading, slow blinking, tail in the shape of a “?\u201d” and sleeping close. Respect their bounds and you will see their confidence grow: when the cat feels understood, cooperating becomes natural.
