Teaching cats their names

How do you teach a cat their name?  I just got a second cat and would like to teach him his name!  My first cat seems to kinda know his name.  He looks at me enough to make me think it is not just a coincidence when he looks at me when I say his name.  But at the same time he will only respond occasionally to his name.  

So what are techniques to teach cats their names?  And is it too late to reteach my older cat his name--he is about 11 months.  And my younger one is three.  I always just say their names to them when they make eye contact with me-does't seem to work though!  Any suggestions? 

My cats at 2 years old learned their new names just fine. In fact Sinbad recognizes his old name and gets really cranky when I say it. He actually makes a long series of cranky sounds before walking off in a huff.   

Just say it a lot. All the time, not just when making eye contact. Praise when they respond to it. 

Also try giving them treats one at a time saying their name each time you hand them a treat.

Yeah just say it a lot when you're talking to him. He will recognize the tone as well as his name. You'd be surprised how fast they learn their names. Also if you whistle or whatever they will recognize that too at least Angel does but she also knows her name.

Cats are smart creatures. They know their names when you call them. They just choose to ignore you when they feel like it. 

In my experience, the best time to "teach" them their names is during meal times. Say their names when you present them with their full food dish. 

Ok so besides just saying their name a lot there is nothing else to do to help them learn their names?  

They'll learn their names through general use, they just don't necessarily care to respond every time.

With mine when feeding I hold the sachet and get them to do something individually, like meow or climb the cat tree, when I say their name.

I don't know of anything more you can do to help him learn his name. Mingo learned his in a few weeks without my trying to teach him.

I agree that using (and overusing) the new name should be sufficient enough. Yes, you can reward them when they respond.

The few times I have had cats not respond to a given name (when called the name for 2+ weeks) was because that name simply wasn't theirs! I know, sounds a little crazy, but it is so true!

The most recent example is one of our kittens from last year. The foster named her Francine. No amount of calling her that made her respond. Things were complicated a bit as she has a twin sister named Etta and the foster couldn't tell them apart, so both girls would get called the other name. However, Etta VERY much knows her name! (And her full name...Etta James).

So, when trying to think of a new name, the name Stella popped into my head. "Francine" immediately responded to Stella. (Possibly because it sounds a little like Etta??)

There are people who feel using a name that only has 1 or 2 syllables and ends in a long vowel helps a pet learn their name.  We have had many cats and one dog, some of whose names ended in a long vowel and some who have not.  They all learned their names eventually, some sooner than others.  I completely agree with members that frequent repetition of their name helps a lot.  I also like to say their name over and over when I am petting them, giving them attention.  

Good to know!  Thanks for all the help!!