Can You Rename a Cat? And Will It Actually Learn Its New Name?

So, you’ve brought home a new feline overlord. Congratulations! Whether your cat came from a shelter, a breeder, or simply wandered into your life and refused to leave (as cats do), you may be wondering: Can I rename this little fluffball? And perhaps more importantly: Will they even care?

The Short Answer: Yes… and Maybe

Yes, you can absolutely rename a cat. They’re not stuck with “Mittens” or “Fluffy” forever—unless you like those names, in which case, great! But if your new companion is currently called something like “Meatball” or “Stinkbug,” you might want to go in a different direction.

The good news is: cats can learn their names. The catch? Whether they respond to it is an entirely different matter.

Will Your Cat Learn Its New Name?

Research suggests that cats do recognise their names—even if they sometimes choose to pretend they don’t. (Sound familiar?) A 2019 study out of Japan found that cats can distinguish their names from other words, especially when spoken by their humans. So yes, your cat can learn a new name with some time and consistency.

Just don’t expect them to come running every time you call. They’re cats, not golden retrievers. A cat responding to its name is like a teenager doing chores the first time you ask—possible, but not guaranteed.

How to Teach Your Cat Its New Name

If you want your cat to learn its new name (and maybe even respond to it occasionally), here’s how to make it stick:

1. Pick Something Short and Sweet

   
   

   Cats tend to respond better to names that are one to two syllables. “Beans” works better than “Sir Pounce-a-lot, the Third.”

   
   

2. Use Treats and Praise

   
   

   Say their name in a cheerful tone and give them a treat when they look at you. Repeat this a few times a day. Before long, they’ll start associating the name with good things—like chicken snacks and not the vacuum cleaner.

   
   

3. Be Consistent

   
   

   Use the new name regularly, and don’t mix it with nicknames at the beginning. As tempting as it is to call them “Snuggle Muffin” or “Captain Chaos,” stick to the official name while they’re still learning.

4. Avoid Using the Name for Scolding

   
   

   If you yell their name when they knock over your water glass (again), they may start avoiding it altogether. Keep the name linked to positive things—or at least neutral ones.

What If They Still Ignore You?

Some cats will learn their name in a few days. Others… well, they hear it, they just choose not to acknowledge it. In those cases, it’s not that renaming didn’t work—it’s just that your cat is exercising its right to be mysterious and aloof. It’s practically in their job description.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can rename your cat. Yes, they can learn it. And yes, they may continue to ignore you anyway. But that’s all part of the charm. Over time, they’ll learn that their new name means food, cuddles, playtime—and maybe even the occasional bribe.

So go ahead. Rename Meatball to something more dignified. Or not. Just don’t be surprised if three months from now, they still respond best to the sound of a treat bag being opened.