It’s okay to rename your adopted cat at any age. Find out how...

Welcoming a new cat into your life is an exciting time. Whether you have chosen them as a kitten, adopted them from a rescue shelter, or given a new home to a stray. Whatever the circumstances, it’s likely your new furry friend will already have a name. As you settle them into their new home, you may want to rename them, so they feel like part of your family. Or maybe you think a different name would suit their personality better. 

But should you rename a cat? Yes, it’s perfectly okay to change a cat’s name. Here are some things to consider if you want to pick a new moniker for your moggy.  

Do cats recognise their name?

Cats do recognise their name to a certain extent. If they have had enough time to build up an association to their name, most cats will respond to the sound of their name being called. This is especially true when their name is said by their owner. But cats aren’t connected to their name in the same way humans are. For them, it’s the sound of their name they identify with, rather than the name itself. If you call them with a name that sounds like their actual name, they may still respond in the same way. 

When is the best time to change a cat’s name? 

Cats are never too old to learn a new name. You can change your cat’s name at any time, it will never be too late to give them a different name. Cats don’t get attached to their name, and it’s not bad luck to change your cat’s name. 

How to teach a cat a new name

Believe it or not, cats can actually be trained! A great place to start is training them to recognise and respond to their name. This will be very useful if you ever need to call them home if they’ve been out wandering for too long. 

To help them build up a strong recognition with their new name, find out how to train your cat to respond to their name.

You can also follow these top tips:

1. Be consistent. Before you start the training, decide on the new name you want to call your cat and stick to it. Changing the name halfway through training will be confusing for them. Avoid switching to nicknames or shortened versions of their name too. It’s also a good idea to be consistent with the way you say their name, for example the tone and pitch of your voice. Your cat will be learning the sound of their name, not the name itself. Try to make sure their name sounds the same every time you say it.
2. Use positive reinforcement. Cats learn best through association with something they like. When training them to learn their new name, reward them every time they respond to it. Pick a reward they will enjoy, such as a small cat treat, some gentle fuss or playtime. Never punish your cat for not responding to their name. This will only make them stressed and won’t help them to learn any quicker. 
3. Be patient. How long it takes your cat to learn their name can vary a lot. It may only take a few days, or it could take weeks or months. Some cats may never respond to their name, but that’s ok. The important thing is to stay calm while training them. If you or your cat are getting frustrated, take a break and come back to the training another time. 

How to legally change your cat’s name 

Cats don’t ‘legally’ have names in the same way humans do. But if you do change your cat’s name there are a few records you may want to update.

1. Microchip. If your cat is microchipped, this primarily identifies them by a number rather than their name. This number appears on the screen of a microchip scanner when they are scanned. This is then linked to the contact details of their registered owner on the microchip database. The most important thing is to make sure your correct contact details are registered on the database. This will mean you can be contacted quickly if your cat is found and scanned. You can also update their name on the database if you want to. Find out how to update your cat’s microchip details. 
2. Vet. It’s important to register your cat with a local vet surgery as soon as possible. This will mean they can receive routine health treatment as well as more urgent care if needed. When you register your cat with a vet, they will ask for their name. If you change your cat’s name, call your vet to let them know so they can update their records. Get advice for finding a vet.