Yes, they know their name
It can feel like your cat ignores you, but that does not mean it cannot tell you are talking to it. A 2019 study (Saito and colleagues) showed that cats can distinguish their own name from other, similar-sounding words — even when a stranger says it — reacting differently to the name they know. Choosing not to come when called is a very cat thing to do, but the recognition is real. Your cat hears more, and understands more, than its cool exterior suggests.
Memory and mental maps
Cats have good object permanence, meaning they understand that something still exists after it disappears from view — which is why a toy vanishing under the sofa stays interesting. They also form detailed mental maps of their territory and remember where things are, from the food bowl to a favourite sunny spot to the route a mouse took last week. This spatial memory is part of what makes a cat such an efficient hunter and such a confident navigator of its home.
They read us more than we think
Cats pay quiet attention to human cues. Studies suggest that in uncertain situations a cat may glance at its owner and adjust its behaviour based on whether the person seems calm or worried — a form of social referencing also seen in dogs and young children. Many cats also respond to the tone of our voice and pick up on our moods and routines. The bond is a two-way conversation, even if your cat runs it on its own terms.
Trainable — on their terms
Cats are very much trainable; they are simply less driven to please us than dogs, so the reward has to be worth their while. Positive reinforcement works beautifully — a clicker or a marker word paired with a tasty treat can teach a cat to come, sit, high-five, or walk into a carrier calmly. Keep sessions short and upbeat, never punish, and let your cat opt in. Training and enrichment like this are not just tricks; they give an intelligent animal something rewarding to do.